Fractional CISO
Fractional vs Full-Time CISO
Weigh the pros and cons of fractional vs full-time CISO to make the right decision for your company.
- $6,000-18,000/month
- 10-20 hours/week flexible
- Founder-vetted
The engagement
- Typical retainer
- $6,000–$18,000/mo
- Commitment
- 10–20 h / wk
- Time to start
- Days, not months
- Focus
- Industry Expertise
Indicative ranges. You set the rate and terms directly with the operator.
Side by side
Side-by-Side Comparison
See how fractional and full-time CISOs compare across key factors.
| Factor | Fractional CISO | Full-Time CISO |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $6,000-18,000/month | $25,000-$40,000/month (salary + benefits) |
| Commitment | Flexible, typically month-to-month or quarterly | Long-term employment relationship |
| Time Availability | 10-20 hours/week | 40+ hours/week dedicated |
| Onboarding Time | 1-2 weeks to full productivity | 2-3 months to full productivity |
| Experience Level | Senior executives with diverse company experience | Varies based on what you can afford |
| Company Focus | Works with multiple clients | 100% dedicated to your company |
| Scalability | Easy to adjust hours up or down | Fixed cost regardless of needs |
Decision guide
When to Choose Each Option
Choose Fractional CISO When:
- Early-stage companies with limited runway
- Specific projects or initiatives (fundraising, M&A prep)
- Interim leadership during executive transitions
- Companies testing the need for a C-level role
- Seasonal or cyclical business needs
- Need senior expertise without full-time overhead
Choose Full-Time CISO When:
- Companies with $10M+ ARR needing full-time leadership
- Complex operations requiring constant attention
- Roles requiring deep organizational immersion
- Building and managing large teams (10+ direct reports)
- Highly regulated industries with compliance demands
- Post-IPO or enterprise-scale organizations
Decision framework
Quick Decision Framework
Not sure which is right for you? Most of our clients save 60-80% with a fractional CISO while getting the same strategic impact.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about hiring a fractional CISO for your industry.
A fractional CISO is a part-time senior Chief Information Security Officer who works with your company a few days a week instead of full-time — giving you executive-level leadership without a full-time hire or salary.
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