> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.livain.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # How Much Does a Fractional Executive Cost? - URL: https://www.livain.com/blog/how-much-does-a-fractional-executive-cost-2/ - Published: 2025-07-08T08:08:51.000Z - Updated: 2026-08-31T12:37:30.000Z - Description: Real 2026 rates — CHF 5,000–20,000 monthly retainers, day rates, and hybrid models. What you actually pay for a fractional CMO, CFO or COO. - Author: Remco Livain - Tags: Fractional Executive Most fractional executives charge between **CHF 5,000 and CHF 20,000 per month**, depending on the scope, seniority, and time commitment. Some charge by the day or hour, but most use a flat monthly retainer based on 1–4 days of work per week. **Update — August 2026:* Rates have been remarkably stable since I published this. I’ve added a short section comparing the Swiss ranges below with current US market benchmarks.* The range may seem wide—but so is the impact. And understanding the cost means understanding the *value model*behind it. So let’s break it down. --- ## **Fractional is not “cheap”—it’s efficient** A great fractional executive won’t be inexpensive. But they’ll often **cost far less than a full-time hire**, especially when you factor in: - Base salary - Social security and benefits - Bonuses and equity - Recruitment costs - Long-term commitments A full-time CMO in Switzerland, for example, might cost **CHF 220–300k per year** (plus equity). A fractional CMO at 2 days/week might cost **CHF 8–12k/month**, fully loaded, and start next week. You’re buying **focus, experience, and velocity**, not just hours. --- ## **3 common pricing models** ### **1\. Monthly retainer (most common)** You agree on a fixed number of days or hours per week, and pay a flat monthly fee. This gives you stability and access—without micromanaging time. **Example:** CHF 9,600/month for 2 days/week (This assumes CHF 1,200/day or CHF 150/hour for \~16 hrs/week) --- ### **2\. Day rate or hourly rate** Used for short projects or advisory work. Less efficient if you need consistent leadership. **Example:** CHF 1,200–2,000/day depending on seniority **Hourly rates** can range CHF 150–300/hour for experienced execs 0:00 /0:05 1× --- ### **3\. Hybrid: Retainer + Success Fee** Popular for growth roles (CMO, CRO) or turnaround work. You pay a base retainer + bonus based on revenue or outcome KPIs. **Example:** - CHF 6,000/month base - +10% of net new revenue above target - +Optional project add-ons (e.g. CHF 2,500 for a launch sprint) This model aligns incentives—but only works if the KPIs are crystal clear. --- ## **What impacts the price?** 1. **Seniority & reputation**Top-tier execs with board-level experience or multiple exits often command premium rates. You’re not just paying for time—you’re paying for judgment. 2. **Time commitment**One day a week costs less than four. But don’t assume that “half the time = half the cost”—there’s always ramp-up, context-switching, and overhead. 3. **Scope of ownership**Leading a 2-person team is different than managing 12 direct reports. Prices reflect the complexity and breadth of responsibility. 4. **Industry & geography**Rates vary: Swiss market vs. Berlin startup vs. U.S. VC-backed scale-up. Expectations shift with region and funding stage. --- ## **What do I charge?** Most of my work falls into two buckets: - **CHF 6,500–12,000/month** retainer(1–3 days/week, fixed or flexible) - **Optional performance fee** for growth roles(e.g. % of net new revenue) I also offer structured sprints (like a [Revenue Engine Reset](https://www.livain.com/revenue-engine-reset/)) starting at CHF 2,500. And yes—I’m happy to tailor pricing if the scope is right. --- ## **But is it worth it?** That depends on the value created. Ask yourself: - Will this person unlock revenue, process, or clarity I can’t reach today? - Will their leadership save me a bad hire, months of delay, or internal chaos? - Will I feel more confident about where the company is going? If the answer is yes, the cost isn’t just justified—it’s leveraged. --- ## How these numbers compare to the 2026 market The ranges above were written from my own practice in Switzerland. Looking at the broader market a year later, they hold up well: US surveys such as [Go Fractional’s 2026 rate guide](https://www.gofractional.com/blog/fractional-cmo-salary?ref=livain.com) put typical fractional CMO retainers at $8,000–15,000 per month for growth-stage engagements, with senior hourly rates around $200–350\. Adjusted for the Swiss market premium, that is the same picture as my CHF ranges. Two things did shift. Engagements start faster — diagnosis that used to take a paid discovery month now happens in the first week, because the data work that supported it has largely been automated. And scope creep got cheaper to resist: with clear reporting in place from day one, both sides see earlier whether the engagement pays for itself. If you are budgeting for this, the companion pieces are [how to budget for fractional leadership](https://www.livain.com/blog/how-do-i-budget-for-fractional-leadership/), [what deliverables to expect](https://www.livain.com/blog/what-deliverables-can-i-expect-from-a-fractional-executive/), and [the difference between part-time and fractional](https://www.livain.com/blog/are-a-part-time-executive-and-a-fractional-executive-the-same-thing/). ## **Final thoughts** Fractional executives aren’t a bargain version of a full-time leader. We’re a **right-size solution** for companies who need outcomes, fast. You’re not paying for hours. You’re paying to stop guessing—and start moving. If you’re unsure how to scope a fractional role or price it correctly, let’s talk. --- **Written by Remco Livain** Fractional CMO & Growth Leader | Available Worldwide [Connect on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/remcolivain/?ref=livain.com) | [Book a call](https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0/appointments/schedules/AcZssZ37731DDqvdJqARW90ByE8g8nJ5lF0R7CmNt27OJfAPOJl%5F0iylB8nZBztTRjFMA7QIX4OavanG?ref=livain.com)