Fractional CTO pricing in 2026 — packages, rates & engagements

On rewired.co, every engagement can start with Get Clear — a 90-minute diagnostic for $797, 100% credited to a retainer if you start within 14 days. Ongoing published ranges are Builder $6K–$9K/mo (hands-on build + leadership), AI Operations Retainer $10K–$15K/mo (strategic AI + operating rhythm), and CTO Partner from $10K/mo for a deeper embed. Compare the full tier grid on this page; for a narrative breakdown, see our guide on how much a fractional CTO costs in 2026.

Most strong fractional CTOs sell monthly retainers (not hourly). Published monthly bands here run roughly $6K–$15K depending on whether you need build-heavy delivery, AI + ops leadership, or a near-full-time embed — plus a paid diagnostic so we don't waste time on bad fit. Market rates vary by geography and scope; these numbers are what's on the public ladder today.

Post-PMF founders with traction whose operations don't scale with them. Technical founders who have engineers but need operational leadership. Non-technical founders who need someone to take over the how — operations, AI integration, delivery rhythm, vendor decisions. If your company works because you're in every decision, I fix that.

I deliver. Strategy plus hands-on execution. I install operating rhythm and reduce delivery risk — not recommendations you implement yourself. I build the core system, wire in AI when it matters, and keep things running. Think CTO who thinks like COO.

For founders who need strategic AI + ops leadership, not just hands-on build: AI governance, tooling and vendor audit, opportunity mapping across the business, operating rhythm for priorities and execution, enablement cadence, and hands-on support when something critical needs moving. Fractional CAIO / Head of AI Ops style leverage — $10K–$15K/mo vs $300K+ full-time.

A short advisory sprint that goes deeper than Get Clear: review how AI and agents connect to workflows, data, and backlog; written findings and prioritized recommendations. The standard assessment sprint is $5,000 (typically ~2 weeks). Optional follow-on weeks to ship one or two improvements are scoped and priced separately if there is mutual fit. See the dedicated page for full scope.

A 90-minute deep-dive where I audit your existing tech OR blueprint your new idea from scratch. Either way, you get hidden risks identified and a clear 90-day roadmap. $797 one-time, and 100% counts toward any retainer within 14 days.

For $2,500 you get the full Get Clear session PLUS a 1-3 screen visual prototype (web or mobile). It's not a working app — it's designed for presentations, investor pitches, and discussions. Perfect for showing others what you're building. The full amount counts toward any retainer.

You pay upfront at the start of each month for agreed outcomes — not hours. We define what "done" looks like upfront. I install operating rhythm, deliver, and weekly async updates keep you in the loop.

A mission-critical system I build that runs a key part of your business — revenue dashboards, compliance monitors, onboarding engines. I build it, install the operating rhythm to keep it running, and improve it over time. It's why clients stay.

Fractional COOs focus on Operations, HR, PM, Finance, GTM. I'm the bridge: deep in tech (architecture, AI, systems) but with operational breadth. I think like a COO on work flow, priorities, and delivery — and get hands dirty in the code when it matters. Most fractional CTOs stay purely technical. I don't.

Retainers are month-to-month (except CTO Partner which is 6-month minimum). Want out? Just don't renew. Your paid month completes, we wrap up cleanly, and you keep everything.

Full CTO embed means 30-40 hours/month of deep work. I cap the number of clients at this tier to ensure you get senior leadership and real attention. When slots fill, there's a waitlist.

Yes. I can lead your team, collaborate with agencies, or work alongside your internal devs. I adapt to your setup.

React Native, Flutter, Next.js, Node, Python, AWS/GCP, Web3/Solidity, AI/ML, agentic tooling (Cursor, Codex, MCP). If it's modern and makes sense for your product, I probably work with it.

Async-first: dedicated WhatsApp channel for quick questions, weekly Loom updates, monthly or weekly strategy calls depending on tier. No recurring meetings unless you want them.