February 2, 2026

# The Math of Scaling: Fractional vs. Full-Time Executive Hires

By [Robert Burke](https://www.sobo.ai/Robert-Burke)

## Problem

A $250K salary becomes $400K+ with benefits, taxes, recruiting, and the 40% failure risk.

## Solution

AI-matched fractional leaders deliver focused strategic work from Day 1 at 1/3 the cost.

## Outcome

$60-120K/year. No ramp-up. No severance risk. Scale quarterly.

## Diagnose

AI identifies where executive-level attention delivers highest ROI

## Match

Specialist matched to your exact problem and industry

## Resolve

Results from Day 1—no recruiting fees, no ramp, no overhead

## Resolution Scorecard

| Metric                | Full-Time Hire   | Sobo Fractional   |
|-----------------------|------------------|--------------------|
| Speed                 | 3-6 months ramp  | Productive Day 1   |
| Data Usage            | Resume review     | AI problem-to-expert matching |
| Cost                  | $350-450K/year all-in | $60-120K/year       |

## The Hidden Costs of Full-Time Hires

- **Benefits:** +$50-75K (20-30% of salary)
- **Payroll taxes:** +$17-25K (7-10%)
- **Recruiting:** +$50-75K (25-33% of first-year salary)
- **Onboarding:** 3-6 months before full productivity
- **Failure risk:** 40%+ fail within 18 months

## Side-by-Side Comparison

| Metric                    | Sobo Model   | Traditional Consultant/Employee |
|---------------------------|--------------|----------------------------------|
| Annual Cost               | $60-120K     | $350-450K                        |
| Benefits & Overhead       | Included     | +25-35% of salary                |
| Recruiting Cost           | $0           | $50-75K                          |
| Time to Productivity       | Day 1       | 3-6 months                       |
| Termination Risk          | None         | Severance + legal                |
| Focus Quality             | 100% strategic work | Mixed priorities          |

## The Focus Advantage

A fractional CFO spending 15 hours/month often delivers more than a full-time CFO at 160 hours/month. Full-time executives get pulled into meetings, politics, and admin.

## Get Started

Get your free diagnostic — Sobo's engine runs on your actual data, not the internet.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How can fractional match full-time output?

### Is there a long-term commitment?

### What's the true cost of full-time?

### Stop Guessing. Get a Precise Diagnosis.

Sobo's engine runs on your actual data — not the internet — and connects you with the exact expert to fix what's broken.

#### [Robert Burke](https://www.sobo.ai/Robert-Burke)

Founder & CEO of Sobo.ai

Robert is a multi-generation entrepreneur with 20+ years helping SMBs scale through operational excellence and fractional leadership.