Quick Answer
Full-time CFO: $250,000-$500,000+/year (salary + benefits + bonus + equity)
Fractional CFO: $3,000-$15,000/month
Project-based: $5,000-$50,000 per project
Hourly: $200-$500/hour
Most growing businesses ($2M-$50M revenue) find fractional CFO services the best value—70-90% cost savings versus full-time with comparable strategic impact.
"How much does a CFO cost?" is one of the most common questions business owners ask when they realize they need financial leadership beyond their accountant. The answer varies dramatically based on engagement type, and understanding your options can save you hundreds of thousands of dollars while still getting the expertise you need.
This guide breaks down CFO costs across all engagement types so you can make an informed decision for your business.
Full-Time CFO Cost
A full-time CFO is a significant investment. Here's what you can expect to pay in 2026:
Base Salary
- Small market / Early stage: $175,000-$225,000
- Mid-market ($10-50M revenue): $225,000-$300,000
- Growth companies ($50M+): $300,000-$400,000
- Enterprise / Public: $400,000-$600,000+
Total Compensation
Base salary is just the beginning. Full CFO compensation includes:
| Component | Typical Range | Example ($300K base) |
|---|---|---|
| Base Salary | 100% | $300,000 |
| Benefits | 20-30% of salary | $60,000-$90,000 |
| Annual Bonus | 20-50% of salary | $60,000-$150,000 |
| Equity/Stock | Varies widely | $50,000-$500,000+ |
| Total | 160-280%+ of base | $470,000-$1,000,000+ |
Key Takeaway
Hidden Costs of Full-Time Hire
- Recruiting: 25-33% of first year salary ($75K-$100K) if using a search firm
- Onboarding: 3-6 months to full productivity
- Risk: If it doesn't work out, you've lost $200K+ and months of time
- Overhead: Office space, admin support, technology
Fractional CFO Cost
Fractional CFO services provide part-time CFO expertise at a fraction of full-time cost. This is the most popular option for businesses between $2M-$50M in revenue.
Monthly Retainer Pricing
| Engagement Level | Hours/Month | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light Touch | 5-8 hours | $3,000-$5,000 | $36,000-$60,000 |
| Standard | 10-15 hours | $5,000-$10,000 | $60,000-$120,000 |
| Comprehensive | 15-25 hours | $10,000-$15,000 | $120,000-$180,000 |
| Near Full-Time | 30+ hours | $15,000-$20,000 | $180,000-$240,000 |
What Affects Fractional CFO Pricing?
- Company complexity: Multi-entity, international, or complex revenue models cost more
- Industry: Specialized industries (healthcare, SaaS) may command premiums
- Scope: Fundraising support, M&A work, or team oversight adds cost
- CFO experience: More seasoned CFOs charge higher rates
- Geography: Some variation by market, though remote work has leveled this
Fractional vs Full-Time: Cost Comparison
| Factor | Full-Time CFO | Fractional CFO |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Cost | $300,000-$500,000+ | $60,000-$180,000 |
| Time to Start | 4-6 months to hire | Days to weeks |
| Flexibility | Fixed commitment | Scale up/down |
| Experience Breadth | Single company focus | Multi-company perspective |
| Savings | — | 70-85% less |
Outsourced CFO Cost
Outsourced CFO services provide more comprehensive coverage than fractional arrangements, often including oversight of your accounting function.
- Standard outsourced CFO: $5,000-$15,000/month
- With accounting oversight: $8,000-$20,000/month
- Full finance department outsourcing: $15,000-$30,000/month
Outsourced arrangements often include additional team members (analysts, controllers) which increases cost but reduces the need for internal hires.
Virtual CFO Cost
Virtual CFO services are delivered remotely, which can reduce costs slightly:
- Basic virtual CFO: $2,500-$7,000/month
- Standard virtual CFO: $5,000-$12,000/month
- Premium/experienced: $10,000-$15,000/month
Virtual delivery reduces overhead for the provider, which can translate to savings. However, quality and experience matter more than delivery method—don't sacrifice expertise for slightly lower cost.
Project-Based CFO Cost
Some CFO work is better suited to project-based engagement:
| Project Type | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Financial model build | $5,000-$15,000 |
| Fundraising preparation | $15,000-$35,000 |
| Due diligence support | $20,000-$50,000 |
| Financial assessment | $5,000-$15,000 |
| System implementation oversight | $10,000-$30,000 |
What's the Right Choice for Your Business?
Choose Full-Time CFO If:
- Revenue exceeds $50M with complex operations
- You need daily hands-on financial leadership
- You're preparing for IPO or have public company needs
- You have a large finance team requiring management
Choose Fractional CFO If:
- Revenue is $2M-$50M
- You need strategic guidance but not daily presence
- You want to preserve cash for growth
- You value flexibility to scale services up or down
Choose Project-Based If:
- You have a specific, defined need (fundraising, M&A)
- You don't need ongoing CFO support
- Budget is very constrained
ROI of CFO Services
The real question isn't "how much does a CFO cost?" but "what's the return on investment?" Good CFO services typically deliver ROI through:
- Better decisions: Avoiding one bad acquisition or investment can save millions
- Improved cash flow: Better AR/AP management often frees up significant working capital
- Successful financing: The difference between getting funded or not, or getting better terms
- Cost savings: Fresh eyes often identify 5-15% in cost reductions
- Higher valuation: Clean financials and professional management increase company value
Key Takeaway
Next Steps
Want to understand what CFO services would cost for your specific situation? Schedule a free consultation and we'll provide a transparent assessment of your needs and options—no pressure, no obligation.
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Author
Dan Emery
Founder & Managing Partner
Dan Emery is a senior finance and operations executive with deep experience in industrial construction, infrastructure, and blue-collar businesses. He helps owners and operators gain financial clarity, operational visibility, and disciplined decision-making.