Fractional Executive Salary Guide 2026
Comprehensive UK salary data for fractional executives across all C-suite roles. Understand market rates and earnings potential.
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Key Takeaways
- 1Fractional CFOs work 1-3 days per week, providing senior expertise without full-time costs
- 2UK day rates range from £800 to £1500, depending on experience and sector
- 3Typical engagements save 50-70% compared to full-time executive hires
- 4Ideal for startups, scale-ups, and SMEs needing strategic leadership
- 5No employment overhead: no pension, NI, benefits, or notice periods
This guide provides comprehensive salary benchmarks for fractional executives in the UK market. Whether you're hiring or considering a fractional career, these figures reflect current market conditions in 2026.
Factors Affecting Fractional Rates
Several factors influence fractional executive compensation:
- Industry: Financial services and regulated industries pay 15-25% premium
- Specialisation: Niche expertise (AI, M&A, compliance) commands higher rates
- Track Record: Documented outcomes increase rate by 20-40%
- Location: London-based work typically pays 10-15% more
- Engagement Type: Project work may pay more than retainer arrangements
Cost Comparison
Fractional vs Full-Time Executive
Your Potential Savings
£180k+
Time Allocation
How fractional executives spend their time
UK Fractional Executive Day Rates
Compare day rates across C-suite roles
Fractional vs Interim vs Full-Time
Choose the right engagement model
| Aspect | Fractional | Interim | Full-Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time Commitment | 1-3 days/week | 4-5 days/week | 5 days/week |
| Duration | Ongoing/flexible | 3-12 months | Permanent |
| Annual Cost | £50-150k | £150-300k | £200-400k+ |
| Best For | SMEs, startups, scale-ups | Crisis, transitions | Large enterprises |
| Flexibility | ★★★ High | ★★☆ Medium | ★☆☆ Low |
Costs are indicative UK market rates. Actual costs vary by role, experience, and sector.
Calculate Your Day Rate
Calculate Your Potential Income
Based on 2.5 days/week x 2 clients x 48 working weeks. CFO UK average day rate: £1000.
BetaThis calculator provides rough estimates for illustration only. Actual rates and salaries vary based on location, experience, industry, and market conditions.
Related Executive Roles
Complementary leadership for your organisation
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know
The median day rate across all C-suite fractional roles is approximately £1,200. Rates vary significantly by role, with CROs and CISOs at the higher end (£1,400-2,000) and CHROs and Controllers at the lower end (£800-1,300).
Industry Resources & Authority Links
Related Pages
The Fractional Executive Trend
Industry data on the rise of fractional leadership
of executives who moved to fractional work report higher job satisfaction
Source: Harvard Business Review ↗Platform Stats
Founder's background
📊 Exec Market Snapshot
💰 Exec Day Rates
Based on 2026 market data for UK Exec roles.
