Interim CTO vs Fractional CTO: Which Format to Choose?
Both roles provide temporary technical leadership, but with different approaches and durations. Let's explore the key differences.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Interim CTO | Fractional CTO |
|---|---|---|
| Employment | Full-time | Part-time |
| Contract term | 3-12 months | 6-24+ months |
| Goal | Fill the gap | Ongoing support |
| Monthly cost | $15,000-30,000 | $3,000-10,000 |
| Number of clients | 1 | 2-4 |
| Depth of immersion | Full | Strategic |
| Day-to-day management | ||
| Transition to full-time | Rarely | Sometimes |
When to choose each option
Choose Interim CTO if:
Need to temporarily fill a full-time position
- CTO left and need to quickly fill the position
- Hiring process for full-time CTO is underway
- Crisis situation requiring full-time attention
- Large team (20+ people) requires day-to-day management
- Merger, acquisition, or company restructuring
- Short-term project (3-6 months)
Choose Fractional CTO if:
Need ongoing expertise without full-time costs
- Early stage, don't need full-time CTO
- Budget is limited
- Small team (up to 15 people)
- Need strategic leadership
- Long-term partnership
- No urgency or crisis
Cost Comparison
Costs over 6 months
Interim CTO
Monthly rate$20,000
Number of months6
Search and onboarding$5,000
Employment40+ hrs/week
Total:$125,000
Fractional CTO
Monthly retainer$6,000
Number of months6
Search and onboarding$0
Employment10-15 hrs/week
Total:$36,000
Help Me Decide
Answer questions to determine the best approach
Question 1 / 4
How urgent is the situation?
Frequently asked questions
Let's discuss your situation
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