# 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

See how your data matches our experts.

Sobo's diagnostic engine reads your actual P&L, workflows, and operations.

[Get Your Free Diagnosis](https://www.sobo.ai/operations-assessment)

## 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.

[Get Your Free Diagnosis](https://www.sobo.ai/operations-assessment)

#### [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.