The real cost of the CMO seat.
Salary is the visible half. Load, recruiter fee, and six months of ramp are the half the budget meeting forgets. Run your numbers — both options, year one, side by side.
FULL-TIME CMO
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FRACTIONAL CMO
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THE DELTA
— stays in the business, year one
Where do the default numbers come from?
The salary default reflects mid-market CMO compensation; the 30% load covers benefits, bonus, and payroll costs; recruiter fees typically run 20–30% of first-year salary; and new executives take about six months to reach full productivity. Adjust any of them — it’s your math.
Isn’t a fractional CMO less available than a full-timer?
Fewer hours, same accountability. The honest comparison is output per dollar: most $5M–$100M companies need senior judgment applied consistently, not a full-time calendar filled. When you truly need the full-time seat, the fractional engagement should tell you so — ours does.
What does Glenmont’s fractional engagement cost?
Typically $5K–$15K per month as a flat retainer depending on scope and cadence. The full breakdown lives in the pricing guide linked below.
Like the math? Meet the operator.
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