Are you tired of being locked in a full-time corporate leadership position? If you’re feeling anxious to try your hand at something new and experience some variety in your work and career, why not consider fractional executive leadership?

As innovation booms and more start-ups are launched thanks to heavy AI investment, businesses are realizing the importance of leadership on demand, most commonly referred to as “fractional.”

Instead of hiring CTOs (Chief Technology Officers) or CFOs (Chief Financial Officers) for full-time permanent positions, many start-ups find it to be more flexible and cost-effective, especially when operating on a tight investment budget, to outsource their projects and hire a freelance executive on a contract, part-time basis.

It’s a win-win because not only are these businesses able to benefit from your fresh expertise from an outside point of view, but you’re able to benefit as a freelancer since you can work remotely on your own terms, and maximize your earning potential by working with several clients on a part-time basis without the full commitment of traditional executive leadership.

This type of freelancing work is extremely lucrative, provided you have the right experience and have a strong track record of consistently delivering exceptional results such as reduced costs, bringing a product to market, creating a roadmap that enabled a start-up’s launch, or supporting with MVPs (minimum viable product) and investor relations.

What Is A Fractional Executive?

A fractional executive is a freelance high-level business professional who provides strategic consulting, advice, and support to a company, usually a start-up. In this freelance remote job, you can train and mentor founding teams, lead and develop IT infrastructure and the business’s app or other digital product, optimize workflows, and lead investment and fundraising rounds while ensuring maximized profitability.

As a freelance business leader you’ll lend your wealth of advice and practical expertise to help businesses grow and succeed, for a short-term, part-time contract, and come in at critical points such as the growth phase or restructuring of a company.

7 Freelance Remote Jobs That Pay $15,000+ In 2025

There are different types of fractional executives just as there are different C-suite roles. The most popular ones are fractional CFO and CTO, but below is a wider list of examples of some remote freelance executive jobs:

1. Fractional CTO (Chief Technology Officer)–manages and directs the tech strategy, IT operations, and cybersecurity aspects of the business.
2. Fractional CMO (Chief Marketing Officer)–leads on all things marketing and branding.
3. Fractional CRO (Chief Revenue Officer)–focuses on aligning all aspects of the business that bring in revenue, including sales, marketing, business development, and customer success strategies.
4. Fractional CPO (Chief Product Officer)–oversees product strategy and development, enabling products to be brought to market.
5. Fractional COO (Chief Operating Officer)–comes in and develops/oversees daily business operations and workflows in line with the business strategy and goals
6. Fractional CFO (Chief Financial Officer)–takes the lead on matters relating to investments, financial planning, and financial risk management
7. Fractional CHRO (Chief Human Resources Officer)–provides consulting services to optimize or create talent management and recruitment strategies from scratch

How Much Can You Get Paid?

As a fractional C-suite executive, you can typically make between $5,000 to $15,000 a month as a retainer fee for a single project, costing businesses less money (they will only generally expect to pay between 19-31% of the cost of a full-time C-suite hire including as well as bonuses).

The income potential is even further multiplied by the fact that you have the flexibility to work on several contracts at the same time for multiple clients, compared to working in a traditional job in senior leadership and management where you’re only working for one employer.

So for example, even if you just had three clients, you could potentially earn $45,000 in just one month. At the same time, you’re able to experience the thrill of getting involved in multiple innovative projects, lending mentorship and support through your experience, and gaining a track record of working with multiple industries along the way as well, which is very flattering for your portfolio and resume.

Although not instantly the most recognizable freelance remote job, fractional executives are needed more than ever, and now is your chance to turn your wealth of experience into something that works for you, your career goals, and your personal lifestyle and wellbeing.