Adjust the inputs to your situation. The calculator compares year-one all-in cost and likely outcome across three options: fractional CMO, full-time CMO hire, and founder-led DIY. Calibrated to 2026 market benchmarks.
For early growth companies ($2M–$10M), the fractional model captures the senior strategic value of a CMO without the dilution, recruiter risk, or 9-month onboarding ramp. Switch to full-time when you cross $25M–$30M and the function genuinely requires 40+ hours/week of leadership.
Fractional cost = monthly fee × 12. The default monthly fee scales with the requested hours/month (using $400/hr blended rate as a benchmark).
Full-time cost includes base + variable + benefits + equity-value + recruiter fee, scaled to your stage. Equity value is estimated at the midpoint of typical CMO grants (1–2% of company value at next round).
DIY (CEO-led) cost = (CEO hrs/week × 52) × CEO hourly cost. This is the opportunity cost of CEO time spent on marketing rather than on CEO-level work. Most CEOs significantly underestimate this number.
For the deeper analysis of when each fits, see fractional CMO vs. full-time CMO and signs you need a fractional CMO.