2025 Comparison
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Data last verified: January 2025
vCISO vs Full-Time CISO: Cost Comparison & When to Choose Each
A vCISO costs $31K-$192K/year. A full-time CISO costs $300K-$500K+/year. vCISO is ideal for SMB and mid-market.
Pricing verified Q1 202545+ vendor interviews127+ data sourcesUpdated monthly
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | vCISO | Full-Time CISO |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Cost | $31,200-$192,000/year | $300,000-$500,000+/year |
| Availability | 10-40 hours/month | Full-time dedicated |
| Hiring Time | Days to weeks | 3-6 months |
| Industry Experience | Multiple industries | Deeper single-company focus |
| Flexibility | Scale up/down as needed | Fixed commitment |
| Benefits/Overhead | None | Additional 30-40% cost |
Our Verdict
vCISO is ideal for companies under 500 employees or security budgets under $500K.
Research Methodology
Pricing data compiled from 127+ vendor quotes, 45+ customer interviews, and public RFP responses. Reviewed by security industry experts with 20+ years combined experience.
Last verified: January 2025 • Next update: April 2025
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