Guide: day rates
What does an interim manager cost?
Interim managers bill by the day. In August 2026 the average in Germany was 1,320 euros, according to a DDIM flash survey. This guide shows how the rate for a specific role comes about and how it compares to a permanent hire.
What sets the day rate
Role and responsibility
A specialist lead costs less than a CIO or COO with budget and staff responsibility. The higher the role, the higher the rate.
The company's situation
In a crisis or restructuring, rates sit above the market average. These mandates are usually shorter and show their effect sooner.
Length and days per week
A mandate over several months at three to five days a week is priced differently from a short assignment of a few days.
Contract model
If the mandate runs through an interim provider, the provider's share is included in the rate or added on top. A direct contract has no such share.
Three steps to put the rate in context
- 01 · Step 1
Start from the salary
What would the position cost per year as a permanent hire? The target annual salary is the starting point.
- 02 · Step 2
One percent as a guide
The German interim association DDIM names one percent of that target annual salary as a guide for the day rate.
- 03 · Step 3
Compare total cost
Set day rate times billed days against the permanent role including on-costs. Then add what another quarter without the role filled would cost.
Put the fee in context
What does leadership for a fixed term really cost?
The German interim association DDIM gives one percent of the target annual salary of a comparable permanent role as a rule of thumb for the day rate. Set what the position would cost you permanently.
€160,000
Day rate, as a guide
€1,600
At 120 billed days
€192,000
Permanent role per year, including on-costs
€200,000
Department or programme responsibility
Typical for head of IT, operations or programme steering in mid-sized companies. The market average for senior interim was 1,318 euros a day in 2023, C-level above that.
Factor 1.25 for social contributions, holiday and absence, calculated conservatively.
A guide, not an offer. The actual rate depends on role, duration, days per week and travel, and is settled in the first call. DDIM, fees in interim management
Market figures with sources
- Average day rate in August 2026: 1,320 euros (DDIM flash survey 2026)
- Development of the average: 1,229 euros in 2021, 1,318 euros in 2023, 1,297 euros in 2025 (DDIM market studies)
- Running mandates last 10.3 months on average (DDIM flash survey, August 2026)
- Guide for the day rate: one percent of the target annual salary of a comparable permanent role (DDIM)
Frequently asked questions
Why does an interim manager cost more per day than a permanent hire?
The day rate is only due for days worked. The company does not pay social contributions, holiday, sick leave, notice periods or severance. The risk of earning nothing between two mandates sits with the interim manager.
How is it billed?
The usual model is a rate per day worked, invoiced monthly against a record of days. The contract sets out travel and expenses.
What does a mandate with Steffen Herr cost?
The fee follows the DDIM market level for senior interim management. The exact range depends on role, length, days per week and travel. Steffen Herr names it in the first call.
Is there funding?
BAFA, the German federal office for economic affairs, subsidises consulting for small and mid-sized companies. Steffen Herr is listed with BAFA as a consultant and checks eligibility before the project starts.
A mandate to fill? An answer within 24 hours.
Availability, terms and fit settled up front. Directly, without detours.
Last updated: 03/10/2026