How much does a fractional CMO cost?

A fractional CMO is typically a monthly retainer scoped to engagement days and stage. For B2B SaaS, market ranges commonly fall between $5,000 and $20,000 per month, a fraction of a full-time CMO total package which often runs well into six figures plus equity. This calculator estimates the range; the exact figure is scoped in a call.

How does the fractional CMO cost calculator work?

It estimates a monthly retainer from how many days per week you need and your company stage, using 2026 market ranges, then compares the annual cost to a fully loaded full-time CMO so you can see the savings. The numbers are estimates, not a quote.

Fractional CMO Cost Calculator (2026)

Your engagement

Adjust to your situation

Days per week 2 days

Most fractional CMO engagements run 1–3 days a week.

Company stage

Full-time CMO base salary (for comparison) $300k

US B2B SaaS CMO base commonly lands here; fully loaded cost is higher.

Your estimate

Updates live

Fractional CMO retainer$7k–$11kper month

Fractional, annual$84k–$132kper year

Full-time CMO, fully loaded~$390kbase + benefits/taxes

You save vs full-time$258k–$306k~66–78% per year

Get a scoped quote → How pricing works

These are 2026 market estimates for planning, not a quote, and not a guarantee. Actual retainers depend on scope, seniority and goals; full-time CMO cost also includes equity and a multi-month search not shown here. For the real number, a short scoping call sizes the right engagement. See fractional CMO cost and hire a fractional CMO.