How Much Does a Fractional CMO Cost
A fractional CMO typically costs 8,000 to 20,000 euro per month for two to four days per week, depending on company stage, complexity of the go-to-market motion, and scope of team leadership. Most SaaS and consumer brands land between 10,000 and 15,000 euro per month.
Typical monthly ranges
- Early-stage or single-market: 8,000 to 12,000 euro per month, two days per week
- Growth stage, multi-channel: 12,000 to 16,000 euro per month, three days per week
- Multi-market or complex B2B: 15,000 to 20,000 euro per month, four days per week
What drives the number
Three factors: how many markets and channels the CMO owns, how much of the team already exists (leading versus building), and how demanding the board reporting cadence is. A one-country SaaS with a working team is at the low end; a multi-market rebrand is at the top.
How it compares to a full-time CMO
A full-time CMO of equivalent seniority costs 180 to 280K euro base plus bonus and equity, plus benefits, plus severance risk. A fractional CMO delivers the same senior judgment on the two or three decisions that actually move revenue, without the fixed cost.
How it compares to an agency
An agency retainer of 15 to 40K euro per month buys execution, not ownership. A fractional CMO owns the plan, sets the brief, and holds the agency accountable. Boards that hire an agency without a CMO usually pay twice for the same thinking.
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