Latin America (LATAM) is producing nearly half a million technology-industry graduates each year, according to the World Economic Forum. This surge is transforming the region into a vibrant global IT talent hub, attracting international companies eager to hire skilled professionals.
In this blog post, we explore the top countries for hiring and the reasons companies are turning to LATAM talent. We also identify the most sought-after roles and provide compensation benchmarking figures across key countries.
Key countries for hiring IT talent in LATAM
- Argentina: Argentina is known for its skilled software engineers and developers, particularly in areas such as web and mobile app development, gaming and fintech. Buenos Aires, the capital, is a major center for tech startups and IT companies. Argentina’s strong educational system produces a steady stream of qualified IT professionals, making it attractive for companies seeking top-tier talent.
- Brazil: Brazil boasts a large and diverse IT industry, making it a prime location for hiring tech talent. Nearly half of all IT expenditures in South America are attributed to Brazil, according to data published by Stanford University. Cities like São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Belo Horizonte host thriving tech ecosystems. Brazil’s IT sector is well-developed, with a significant presence in software development, IT services, digital innovation, cybersecurity and AI.
- Chile: Chile has a vibrant tech ecosystem, with strengths in areas such as cybersecurity, data analytics and software engineering. Santiago, the capital city, is home to numerous tech startups and accelerators. Chile’s stable economy and robust infrastructure make it an appealing location for IT investments and talent acquisition.
- Costa Rica: Costa Rica has a strong reputation for IT outsourcing services, focusing on software development, digital marketing and IT support. San José, the capital, is a key hub for tech companies and talent. Costa Rican developers are typically proficient in English, ranking fourth in LATAM on the English Proficiency Index.
- Colombia: Colombia’s IT industry is rapidly growing, specializing in software development, IT outsourcing and digital services. Key cities like Bogotá, Medellín and Cali are becoming hotspots for tech talent and entrepreneurship. Colombia’s government has implemented several initiatives to support the tech sector, fostering innovation and growth.
- Mexico: Mexico is a leading destination for IT outsourcing and software development services. Cities like Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey are hubs for tech talent and innovation. The country’s IT industry excels in software engineering, cloud computing and IT support services. Additionally, Mexico’s proximity to the US offers significant nearshoring advantages, including time zone alignment and ease of travel.
Why are international companies turning to LATAM talent pools?
- Cost-Efficiency: Hiring in LATAM can significantly reduce operational expenses due to lower labor costs compared to North America and Europe.
- Time Zone Alignment and Nearshoring Potential: LATAM’s proximity to the US minimizes time zone differences, facilitating real-time communication and collaboration. Additionally, most cities in LATAM are only four to six hours behind Europe.
- Supply Chain Flexibility: LATAM’s location can also make LATAM a prime choice for nearshoring among North American companies. Local hires can enhance relationships with regional suppliers and partners, improving overall supply chain efficiency.
- Multilingual Development Teams: Many LATAM IT professionals are proficient in English, making it easier to integrate them into global teams.
- Diversity and Inclusion: Hiring globally promotes diversity and inclusion, enriching teams with varied perspectives and experiences.
- Market Expansion: Companies can gain valuable insights for a go-to-market (GTM) strategy by hiring LATAM talent. This local perspective enables them to tailor products and services.
Benchmarking top IT roles in LATAM
LATAM’s IT talent pools offer a wide range of specialized, in-demand roles. The top roles available include:
- Senior Software Engineers
- DevOps Engineers
- Cloud Engineers
- Project Managers
- Front-End & Back-End Engineers
Determining suitable compensation for these roles can present a significant challenge for international companies. It’s not merely about offering competitive salaries but also aligning total compensation packages with market standards, including benefits.
The following is an excerpt from a salary benchmarking report GoGlobal recently completed on behalf of a multinational client looking to hire IT talent in LATAM:
| Brazil | Chile | Colombia | Costa Rica | Mexico | |
| Senior Software Engineers | $3,600 | $3,400 | $4,100 | $4,500 | $5,100 |
| DevOps Engineers | $2,500 | $2,350 | $3,100 | $3,800 | $4,500 |
| Cloud Engineers | $2,750 | $2,600 | $3,350 | $2,800 | $4,200 |
| Project Managers | $3,500 | $3,200 | $4,000 | $4,300 | $5,000 |
| Front-End & Back-End Engineers | $2,700 | $2,500 | $3,000 | $3,100 | $4,100 |
The benchmark figures inform monthly USD salaries/compensation, sourced from local market research and recent hiring data from GoGlobal. These data points are aggregated from professionals with 4-6 years of experience.
Tapping into LATAM talent with the right EOR partner
As international companies increasingly recognize LATAM as a vibrant hub for IT talent, they are finding invaluable support through Employer of Record (EOR) services.
Premium solutions like GoGlobal’s comprehensive Recruit & Hire go beyond basic employment support. They assist in sourcing and onboarding talent, simplifying access to LATAM’s skilled professionals while navigating the complexities of global hiring.
Partnering with the right EOR enables companies to seize LATAM’s emerging opportunities, empowering them to hire and expand confidently in this dynamic region.
GoGlobal is your partner for recruiting and managing talent in LATAM and around the world. Contact us to learn more about how our one-of-a-kind Recruit & Hire solution can help you access new talent pools of remote workers and digital nomads.