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Insights/Rates/CISO

Fractional rate benchmark

Fractional CISO Benchmarks

Explore fractional CISO (Chief Information Security Officer) benchmarks, including average hourly rates, pay range percentiles, and market demand signals. Average rate: $211/hr.

Average hourly rate

$211/hrMedian $200/hr

The average of observed fractional rates across demand and supply signals.

25th-75th percentile

$175-$250/hr

The middle 50% of observed rates — a realistic budgeting range for most engagements.

GF Demand Index

3-75%

Our proprietary index measuring demand for fractional talent.

Job posts

2

Posted in the last 90 days.

1 recent open job for fractional CISO on Go Fractional right now.

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CISO Rate Distribution
See the full spread of fractional CISO hourly rates, from the low end to the high end of the market, not just the average.

$110-135

5% of samples

$135-160

10% of samples

$160-185

10% of samples

$185-210

28% of samples

$210-235

9% of samples

$211

$235-260

28% of samples

$260-285

5% of samples

$285-310

5% of samples

$310-330

0% of samples

$110$330

25th percentile

$175/hr

Average rate

$211/hr

$438,880/yr equivalent

75th percentile

$250/hr

Offered vs. Asking Rates
Compare what companies pay fractional CISO talent with what candidates ask, so you can set a budget that wins the hire.

Employer offers

$163/hr

25th–75th: $150/hr – $175/hr

Average hourly rate posted in live fractional job listings.

Talent asks

$213/hr

25th–75th: $200/hr – $250/hr

Average hourly rate fractional candidates set on their profile.

Talent asks $50/hr more than employers post on average — negotiation room sits in the gap.

Typical Engagement Scope
See how many hours a week companies hire a fractional CISO for, the estimated retainer, and how that compares to a full-time role.
12hrs / week (average)
Typical fractional scopeFull-time · 40 hrs

≈ 30% of a full-time week

~1.5

days / week

30%

of full-time

624

hrs / year

$10,100

estimated / mo

from $8,400

starting retainer / mo

A typical fractional CISO engagement is scoped at roughly 12 hours a week — senior leadership on a part-time cadence rather than a full-time hire. Estimated monthly retainers use $211/hr and a four-week month.

Work Model Distribution
See how fractional CISO jobs split across remote, hybrid, and on-site work over the last 90 days.
100%Remote
  • Remote

    Fully distributed

    100%

Remote-leaning role — geography rarely limits the talent pool here.

How Much Does a Fractional CISO Cost?

Based on current Go Fractional benchmark signals for all locations, the average fractional CISO rate is $211/hr, or roughly $438,880 per year at 40 hours per week.

The middle range runs from $175/hr at the 25th percentile to $250/hr at the 75th percentile. That spread reflects seniority, operating scope, company stage, and whether the engagement is advisory, embedded, or interim.

Demand for fractional CISO is falling sharply compared with the prior 90 days, and a typical engagement runs about 12 hours per week — part-time senior leadership rather than a full-time hire.

About Our Data
Built from real-time signals across the fractional market.

We analyze public hiring activity and pay rates for job postings over the last 90 days to provide a comprehensive view of the fractional market. Benchmarks are only published when there's sufficient data to ensure accuracy.

Window
Last 90 days, rolling
Demand
Public fractional job posts
Supply
Active candidate profiles + live Go Fractional engagements
What Affects Fractional CISO Rates?
  • Scope of ownership

    Company-wide leadership and board-facing work typically commands higher rates than narrow execution support.

  • Stage and urgency

    Interim leadership, turnaround work, and fundraising moments tend to raise willingness to pay.

  • Location expectations

    Remote-first work broadens the talent pool, while location-specific roles can show tighter supply.

  • Depth of specialization

    Technical, regulated, or highly verticalized experience can push a fractional leader above the market average.

Related Fractional Roles
Other fractional roles in the same category, ranked by 90-day demand.
  • Chief Technology Officer

    $217/hr average

  • Senior Software Engineer

    $150/hr average

  • Chief AI Officer

    $192/hr average

  • Lead AI Engineer

    $167/hr average

  • Architect

    $193/hr average

  • Growth Engineering Lead

    $111/hr average

Related reading

Learn more about hiring a Fractional CISO

Guide

What Is a Fractional CISO? Cost, Benefits & How to Hire (2026)

What a fractional CISO does, the services they provide, and what they cost. Get matched with a vetted security leader through Go Fractional.

Read article

Guide

7 Fractional CISO Lessons From a Former NASA Security Officer

Fractional CISO Pierre Dickson on the impact of AI in cybersecurity, working at NASA, the CIO vs CISO debate, and building a fractional career.

Read article

Interviewing

39 CISO Interview Questions (What To Look For + Red Flags)

Explore top interview questions for Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs), how to prepare for a CISO interview, and tips for how to hire a fractional CISO.

Read article

Guide

What is an Interim CISO?

Discover how interim CISOs help manage cybersecurity risks and navigate leadership transitions. Learn how to hire an interim CISO with Go Fractional.

Read article

Guide

What Is a CISO? Role, Responsibilities & Salary (2026 Guide)

What does a Chief Information Security Officer do? CISO responsibilities, skills, salary, and how to hire one (full-time or fractional).

Read article

Comparison

CIO vs. CISO: Career Paths & Salaries for Modern Tech Leaders

Discover the key differences between CIO vs CISO roles and learn how each contributes to your organization's success. Enhance your IT strategy today.

Read article

Employer offers

$163/hr

25th–75th: $150/hr – $175/hr

Average hourly rate posted in live fractional job listings.

Talent asks

$213/hr

25th–75th: $200/hr – $250/hr

Average hourly rate fractional candidates set on their profile.

Talent asks $50/hr more than employers post on average — negotiation room sits in the gap.

Unlock Offered vs. Asking Rates

$110-135

5% of samples

$135-160

10% of samples

$160-185

10% of samples

Unlock the Full CISO Rate Breakdown

12hrs / week (average)
Typical fractional scopeFull-time · 40 hrs

≈ 30% of a full-time week

~1.5

days / week

30%

of full-time

624

hrs / year

$10,100

estimated / mo

from $8,400

starting retainer / mo

A typical fractional CISO engagement is scoped at roughly 12 hours a week — senior leadership on a part-time cadence rather than a full-time hire. Estimated monthly retainers use $211/hr and a four-week month.

Unlock Typical Engagement Scope

100%Remote
  • Remote

    Fully distributed

    100%

Remote-leaning role — geography rarely limits the talent pool here.

Unlock Work Model Distribution

$185-210

28% of samples

$210-235

9% of samples

$211

$235-260

28% of samples

$260-285

5% of samples

$285-310

5% of samples

$310-330

0% of samples

$110$330

25th percentile

$175/hr

Average rate

$211/hr

$438,880/yr equivalent

75th percentile

$250/hr