LatAm's Top 5: Where to Find Your Next Software Developer

Still haven’t found your ideal tech candidate? Maybe you’re not looking right. We’ll show you why LatAm is your best option and where to find top software developers.

The rise of the Latin American tech landscape has been substantial in recent years, gaining a spotlight on the global scene. With increasing investment in tech infrastructure and a booming startup ecosystem, the region has become a nest for exceptional tech talent eager for opportunities in other corners of the world.

According to the Latin American Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (LAVCA), venture capital investments reached a record $15 billion in 2021, underlining the region’s growing appeal to investors and tech entrepreneurs.

Regardless of the various promising candidates along LatAm, we have gathered a deep analysis to come up with the top 5 players leading the game for software development roles.

Why Hire Software Developers from LatAm?

Building a team of LatAm software developers can bring numerous benefits that will truly resonate with your company's needs:

Strong Tech Ecosystem

LatAm's tech landscape is at its peak, rapidly evolving and attracting the attention of global companies. In 2021, Latin American startups raised a record $19.5 billion in venture capital, tripling the growth compared to previous years. This surge marked the beginning of multiple unicorns, particularly in the fintech sector, with notable companies like Ualá (Argentina), Bitso (Mexico), and Nubank (Brazil).

Large Talent Pool

If you are looking to diversify your choices of software development candidates, LatAm is your place. Just to give you an idea, Brazil has over 750,000 developers, followed by Mexico with around 700,000. These professionals specialize in various areas such as fintech, e-commerce, mobile app development, artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and big data.

Cost-Effectiveness

Hiring software developers in LatAm is significantly more cost-effective compared to the U.S. The average hourly rate for developers in this region ranges from $50 to $75 USD, which is significantly lower than the $85 to $160 USD per hour typically charged in the U.S. This cost savings can be a major advantage, especially if you are looking to manage your budget more efficiently—without compromising quality, of course.

High-Quality Professionals

LatAm developers are known for their strong technical skills and high-quality work. Many have received education and training from top universities and are used to collaborating with global companies in their day-to-day. Their expertise ensures that they can deliver the best solutions you can imagine.

English Proficiency

Many Latin American developers are proficient in English, as it is generally taught in educational programs from an early age. With remote work becoming more common and global companies increasingly adding foreign workers to their teams, more tech talent—especially developers—is recognizing the importance of mastering the language to expand their opportunities. If you need someone with the highest level of English proficiency, Argentina is your best option.

Favorable Time Zones

Sometimes the challenge extends beyond borders to significant time zone differences. Fortunately, the U.S. and LatAm are almost perfectly aligned in terms of time zones. This coordination allows real-time collaboration, similar to working with local employees, making it possible to communicate and manage projects more effectively while reducing potential delays.

Strong Work Ethic

The most hardworking professionals come from LatAm. They are known for their solid work ethic, marked by commitment, reliability, and dedication—an intrinsic part of their culture. Beyond this, LatAm workers prioritize punctuality, collaboration, and professionalism while embracing adaptability and continuous learning. You should consider hiring from LatAm if you want your team dynamic to function smoothly.

Best LatAm Countries to Hire Software Developers

Here is the top 5 ranking of best countries to hire software developers, after a deep examination of the Latin American tech talent scene—from Mexico to Central, and South America:

1. Argentina

With more than 115,000 professionals and 380 companies in software development, Argentina stands in the 8th place of the most innovative countries in the region. Furthermore, Argentina's focus on strengthening tech capabilities in higher education and the workplace has given the country first place worldwide in technological skills.

Argentinian software developers are characterized by their love for challenges and willingness to learn new skills. The best professionals can be found in Buenos Aires, the capital and major tech hub of the country, where you can find experts in web and app development, AI and machine learning (ML), blockchain, IoT, cybersecurity, and cloud solutions.

Argentina's salaries for tech and data roles range around 40k and 60k USD annually, depending on the seniority level.

2. Colombia

Colombia, with more than 150,000 software developers and 360 companies dedicated to the field, ranks in the 4th place among the most innovative economies in LatAm. The constant innovation and dynamic development of Colombia's technology sector have caught the attention of many companies searching to partner with LatAm software developers.

Colombian software developers are recognized for their passion and adaptability, thriving in custom software development, mobile app development, AI and ML, blockchain, cybersecurity, and web development. The city to find the best professionals in the field is Medellín, qualified as the most innovative city in the world.

In Colombia, salaries for tech and data roles fluctuate between 50k and 80k USD annually, depending on the seniority level.

3. Mexico

Adding 700,000 professionals and 440 companies in the field to the list, Mexico has become a center for software development. Standing in 3rd place among the most innovative countries in the region, the Mexican startup ecosystem is flourishing with the support of entrepreneurial tech ventures and international investment.

Mexican software developers possess a creative and innovative approach to their work, mastering web and mobile development, cloud computing, data management, AI, and engineering. Moreover, Guadalajara—known as the Silicon Valley of Mexico—is the home of the best players in the sector, and some of the most prestigious universities to form skilled tech professionals.

Mexico's salary for tech and data employees ranges from 25k to 42k USD annually, depending on the seniority level.

4. Costa Rica

Costa Rica adds a talent pool of more than 45,000 software developers and 137 specialized companies in the field, making up a strong tech and IT sector. Due to this, the country has increasingly become an attractive destination for foreign investors and multinational companies looking to add high-quality tech talent to their teams.

These professionals are known for their willingness to innovate, cooperative spirit, and committed work ethic, excelling in web development, cloud solutions, infrastructure, data analytics, business intelligence, cybersecurity, and agile methodologies.

Regarding salary in Costa Rica, for tech and data roles, the range generally goes from 25k to 75k USD annually, depending on the seniority level of each developer.

5. Brazil

Brazil's tech talent pool comprises 750,000 developers and 263 organizations. In recent years, the country's technology industry has been growing at an impressive pace, supported by the Brazilian government's diverse initiatives to help startups, research and development, and improve tech infrastructure.

Featuring a collaborative and creative spirit, Brazilian developers specialize in cloud computing, AI and ML, software engineering, programming, database management, and agile development practices. São Paulo is the central tech hub, attracting more startup investment than all other LatAm countries combined.

In Brazil, tech and data roles receive a salary that ranges from 25k to 50k USD annually, depending on the seniority level.

Putting It All Together

Taking the first step to hiring abroad is not an easy task, especially in LatAm, which features a large pool of tech talent. What makes the challenge even harder is that each country in this region comes with its own legal, cultural, and financial considerations that you must be aware of before making any decisions.

Want to know more about where to find, attract, and hire the best tech talent in LatAm? More importantly, do you want the perfect match for your tech team, knowing exactly which country to look for your next developer? Visit us at luparecruiter.com and explore our remote hiring guides or check out our talent navigator to learn more about recruiting top-tier remote software development talent.