Fractional vs interim vs consultant: which do you need?
A fractional executive is embedded and part-time (10 to 40 hours per month, ongoing). An interim executive is embedded and full-time (40+ hours per week, temporary). A consultant is external and project-based. Pick fractional for ongoing gaps, interim for coverage, consulting for defined deliverables.
| Criterion | Fractional | Interim | Consultant |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time commitment | 10–40 hrs/mo, ongoing | 40+ hrs/wk, temporary | Project-based |
| Embedded in org? | Yes, on org chart | Yes, on org chart | No, external |
| Owns outcomes? | Yes | Yes | Delivers report or project |
| Typical duration | 6–18 months | 3–9 months | 4–12 weeks |
| Cost (US, 2026) | $6K–$20K / mo | $18K–$40K / mo | $50K–$300K / project |
| Best for | Ongoing gap, cannot afford FT | Covering a departure or leave | Defined deliverable or study |
| Board-facing? | Often | Almost always | Rarely |
| Reports to | CEO | CEO | Sponsor executive |
Fractional executive
Best when you have an ongoing functional gap and cannot justify a full-time salary. A fractional CFO, CMO, or COO commits 10 to 40 hours per month on a recurring basis, sits on the leadership team, and owns their function's outcomes. Duration is elastic — often 6 to 18 months, sometimes multi-year.
Interim executive
Best when a full-time executive has left, is on leave, or has not yet been hired. An interim CFO, CMO, or COO commits full-time, usually 3 to 9 months, and holds the seat until a permanent hire is in place. Cost is higher because commitment is total.
Consultant
Best when the need is a defined deliverable — a pricing overhaul, market entry plan, M&A model, or system implementation. Consultants deliver a project and leave. They are not on the org chart and do not own ongoing operations.
How to choose
Ask three questions. Is the need ongoing or discrete? Ongoing → fractional or interim. Discrete → consultant. Is the need part-time or full-time? Part-time → fractional. Full-time → interim. Will you hire full-time within 6 to 12 months? Yes → interim as a bridge. No → fractional or consultant.
Cost bands (2026, US)
Fractional: $6,000 to $20,000 per month. Interim: $18,000 to $40,000 per month. Independent consultant: $2,000 to $5,000 per day, or $50,000 to $150,000 per project. Boutique consulting firm: $75,000 to $300,000 per project. Tier-one firm: $250,000 to $1M+ per project.
Hire a vetted fractional executive.
Post a private mandate on RecruitFractional and receive a vetted shortlist of C-suite and VP-level operators within 72 hours.
FAQs
Can one person be all three?
Yes. Many senior operators run a mix. But each engagement is one mode: fractional retainer, interim contract, or consulting SOW.
Is interim more expensive than fractional?
Per month, yes — usually 2x to 3x. Per hour, similar. Interim costs more because the commitment is total.