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Fractional vs. Full-Time Calculator
The Real Cost Comparison Framework
Most cost comparisons between fractional and full-time only look at salary vs. retainer. This calculator includes the hidden costs: recruiting fees, ramp time, benefits, tooling, management overhead, and the opportunity cost of unfilled roles. Fill in your numbers and get an honest comparison.
Run the numbers. See for yourself.
Input your actual costs and get an honest comparison between hiring full-time and using a fractional engineering team.
Full-Time Hire Costs
Direct compensation & benefits
Direct Compensation
Benefits & Overhead
Download the complete calculator as PDF.
Print it, share it with your team, and fill it in together. Includes the full cost model, break-even formula, and decision guide.
- Total cost of ownership model for full-time engineering hires
- Fractional team cost model including retainer, onboarding, and transition
- Hidden cost factors most comparisons miss
- Break-even analysis: when full-time becomes cheaper than fractional
- Side-by-side comparison matrix with decision guide
This calculator is extracted from The Fractional Engineering Playbook.
8 chapters covering every aspect of scaling with fractional engineering teams. Decision frameworks, partner evaluation, and the complete embedding playbook.
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