Interim CMO Day Rates Overview
Interim CMO day rates in the UK vary based on experience, specialisation, location, and scope of work. Unlike fractional CMOs who work part-time, interim CMOs work full-time on daily rates—typically ranging from £1,000 to £2,200 per day in 2025.
The interim CMO pay model is designed for full-time temporary engagements. An interim CMO working 5 days per week at £1,500/day earns approximately £31,000 per month (£372,000 annually if working year-round). These are professional daily rates for experienced marketing executives handling growth transformations, brand repositioning, or interim leadership during transitions.
Interim CMO Day Rates by Experience
| Level | Day Rate | Monthly Earnings | Experience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mid-level Interim CMO | £1,000-£1,400/day | £21k-£29k | 12-18 years |
| Senior Interim CMO | £1,400-£1,800/day | £29k-£38k | 18-25 years |
| Executive Interim CMO | £1,800-£2,200/day | £38k-£46k | 25+ years |
*Monthly earnings based on ~21 working days per month (5 days/week)
Interim CMO Salary by Location
| Location | Day Rate Range | vs Average |
|---|---|---|
| London (Tech/Scale-ups) | £1,600-£2,200/day | +25% |
| London (City/Corporate) | £1,400-£2,000/day | +15% |
| Manchester | £1,100-£1,600/day | Base |
| Birmingham | £1,000-£1,500/day | -5% |
| Edinburgh | £1,100-£1,600/day | Base |
| Bristol | £1,100-£1,600/day | Base |
| Remote UK | £1,000-£1,400/day | -10% |
Interim CMO Rates by Industry
| Industry | Day Rate Range | Demand |
|---|---|---|
| B2B SaaS | £1,600-£2,200/day | Very High |
| DTC / E-commerce | £1,400-£2,000/day | Very High |
| FinTech | £1,400-£1,900/day | High |
| HealthTech / MedTech | £1,300-£1,800/day | High |
| Marketplaces | £1,300-£1,900/day | High |
| Professional Services | £1,100-£1,500/day | Medium |
| Non-profit / Social Enterprise | £900-£1,300/day | Low |
What Affects Interim CMO Day Rates?
Several factors influence interim CMO day rates:
- B2B vs B2C experience - B2B SaaS expertise commands highest rates due to demand
- Track record - Proven results (pipeline growth, CAC reduction) add 15-25% premium
- Industry specialisation - Deep vertical expertise (FinTech, HealthTech) pays more
- Channel expertise - Performance marketing, PLG, or brand specialists earn premium rates
- Scope of work - Growth transformations, rebrands, or go-to-market strategy command top rates (£1,800-£2,200/day)
Permanent CMO vs Interim CMO Rates
A permanent CMO at a Series A/B startup typically earns £120,000-£160,000 plus equity. An interim CMO at £1,500/day working 5 days/week earns £31,000/month (£372,000 annually if sustained year-round). The premium reflects the temporary nature, specialized expertise, immediate availability, and lack of long-term commitment or equity.
Interim CMOs are not fractional executives—they work full-time during the engagement period but on defined-term contracts rather than permanent employment. This makes them ideal for bridging periods between permanent hires, leading specific transformation projects, or when companies need immediate senior marketing leadership without permanent hiring costs.