Hire vs Retainer.
The math doesn't lie.
Adjust the inputs below to see the true cost of hiring a DevOps engineer vs using a retainer. No email required.
FTFull-Time Hire
Total base compensation (before benefits)
Typically 25–35% on top of salary (health, 401k, payroll taxes)
Agency fees typically 15–25% of first-year salary
Months until new hire is fully productive
Opportunity cost while ramping — typically 30–50%
■Blizon Retainer
Fully-loaded cost — no hiring, no benefits, no surprise costs
Optional kickoff sprint cost (often $0)
✓ Senior engineer available from day 1
✓ No recruiting, no benefits, no payroll taxes
✓ Cancel with 30 days notice
Retainer saves you (Year 1)
$106,000 in Year 1
Year 1 Total Cost Breakdown
Even in Year 2 (when recruiting costs drop), the retainer saves you $73,000/year — because senior DevOps engineers command high salaries plus benefits.
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