Best Practices to Hire Latin American Developers: How to Unlock Top-Tier Talent in 2025

Considering hiring Latin American developers? This article explains why it’s a smart move. 

Learn about the cost benefits, high skill level, and cultural compatibility of Latin American developers with U.S. companies. We’ll also cover the best practices for finding and hiring top talent in the region. Let’s dive in!

Key Takeaways

• Latin America is a rapidly growing source of skilled software developers, with high demand resulting in a 156% increase in hiring.
• Key countries like Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina offer unique advantages, including cost-effectiveness, high-quality skills, and cultural compatibility with U.S. employers.
• Effective hiring strategies include leveraging freelance platforms, staff augmentation agencies, and networking to connect with top Latin American talent while ensuring legal and payment compliance.

Why Hire Latin American Developers?

The interest in hiring software developers from Latin America has experienced a remarkable 156% growth, as companies are increasingly acknowledging the region’s capacity for providing top-notch technical talent. And it’s easy to see why. 

The area distinguishes itself as an ideal source of software development professionals thanks to its fast-growing technology sector, outstanding performance in creating quality software solutions, and a dedicated emphasis by technology leaders on fostering professional growth and advancement within their workforces.

Securing developers from Latin America allows companies to tap into an affordable pool of highly proficient tech professionals while significantly lowering costs. A Deloitte study indicates that 87% of IT businesses plan to adopt nearshore strategies for their software development needs specifically for these financial advantages. And there’s more. The compatibility with U.S. time zones offers additional benefits by facilitating immediate interactions and synergies between teams without the hindrances often caused by differences in working hours.

Top Countries in Latin America for Hiring Developers

Now, the question is: What’s the best country for hiring top-tier software developers in Latin America?

Several nations within Latin America are emerging as key contributors to the international technology sector. Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina in particular have distinguished themselves with their strong technological infrastructures and skilled developers.

These countries each present clear benefits that render them appealing options for the recruitment of developers. Let’s see why.

Brazil: Leading Tech Market

In Latin America, Brazil stands out as the foremost hub for software development, with a workforce of approximately 750,000 skilled developers. Historically, Brazilian developers primarily worked within the local market, reflecting the country’s self-contained economy and culture. However, in recent years, Brazil has been opening up and embracing greater integration with the global market, particularly in the tech sector. 

The country’s technology sector has seen notable expansion. This growth is fueled by strong employee retention rates and the proliferation of remote developers and IT firms using engineers to work with companies abroad. 

With its reputation as a premier tech hub and an abundant supply of talented developers, Brazil is becoming an increasingly attractive option for U.S. co

Want to learn more about IT staffing in Brazil? Check out our comprehensive guide.

Mexico: Innovation Hub

Occupying the 12th position worldwide for innovation, Mexico’s technology sector is rapidly expanding. Its strong educational system, which features comprehensive vocational education and training (VET) programs, nurtures a workforce with advanced technology skills throughout. The alignment of Mexican time zones with those of the U.S. facilitates efficient collaboration between Mexican developers and U.S. companies, ensuring smooth integration of exceptional software development skill sets.

With around 600,000 developers playing a pivotal role in its growth, Mexico’s tech hub is attracting increasing attention from businesses seeking to engage skilled and talented software professionals.

Want to learn more about outsourcing software development to Mexico? Check out our expert guide.

Argentina: Strong Startup Ecosystem

Argentina’s lively startup culture and proficiency in open-source technologies have made it a hub for skilled developers. It boasts a robust developer pool, comprising more than 100,000 experts who are known for their high-quality tech talent.

This strong foundation is further supported by Argentina’s excellent educational system, which, combined with the challenges of navigating economic fluctuations, has fostered a culture of resilience and adaptability. Driven by an emphasis on innovation and supported by the growth of technology firms within its borders, Argentina has become a prime location for companies looking to recruit top-notch engineers from Latin America.

Discover all the top countries to hire top software engineers in Latin America in this post.

Key Benefits of Hiring Latin American Developers

Hiring developers from Latin America presents a wide range of benefits. Companies looking for building robust tech teams stand to save considerably while gaining access to high levels of proficiency and cultural synergy, which are pivotal in today’s marketplace. The expertise that Latin American software development professionals bring is widely acknowledged, enhancing the strength and capabilities of any team they join.

There exists an alignment in work ethics and cultural practices between Latin American developers and organizations based in the U.S., facilitating smoother collaboration and minimizing issues related to communication.

Let’s take a closer look.

Cost-Effective Talent Without Compromising Quality

Hiring top developers from Latin America offers a strategic advantage—not only are software developers’ salaries more affordable than in the U.S., but total compensation costs are significantly lower. In the U.S., the salary for senior software engineers averages $150,000, but when you factor in benefits such as health, dental, and vision insurance, retirement contributions (401k), and other perks, total employment costs can increase by 30-40%. This means the actual cost of hiring could exceed $200,000 per year.

In contrast, senior software engineers in Latin America earn between $62,400 and $127,200, with no added burden costs if hired as contractors. This makes the region an attractive option for businesses seeking skilled developers at a fraction of the overall cost while bypassing additional expenses tied to full-time employment in the U.S.

High-Quality Technical Skills

Software engineers from Latin America boast a reputation for having exceptional skills and substantial technical expertise. They are frequently products of excellent STEM programs at top-tier institutions like the University of Chile and Monterrey Institute of Technology. These software developers are proficient in numerous programming languages, which broadens their adaptability and enhances their appeal within the technology sector.

In the realm of mobile app development specifically, many Latin American mobile app developers demonstrate an extensive understanding of cloud-based software solutions. This knowledge is increasingly important to hire skilled developers given the surging demand for such competencies in mobile app creation. By participating in coding academies and bootcamps focused on continuous education, they maintain currency with evolving trends pertinent to their role as a software developer.

Seamless Communication and Team Dynamics

One of the standout benefits of hiring Latin American developers is their cultural alignment with U.S.-based companies. This shared understanding of business values and work practices fosters smoother collaboration. Many developers from the region are fluent in English, which eliminates language barriers and ensures real-time communication on platforms like Slack or during team calls.

A System Built for Excellence

Latin America’s commitment to education, especially in STEM fields, produces a consistent stream of talented developers. Countries like Argentina, Colombia, and Chile boast free education systems that encourage innovation from an early age. Many developers start coding in high school or earlier, building a foundation that leads to great expertise and enthusiasm for their craft.

At BEON.tech, we’ve established a unique pipeline to identify and recruit top-tier developers from this talent pool. This approach ensures businesses find elite professionals to support their tech objectives while addressing the growing demand for cost-effective, skilled developers.

A Culture That Drives Success

Latin Americans are passionate professionals who bring personal investment to their work. They value self-improvement and are driven by a desire to excel in their fields. This dedication manifests in how they approach your company’s goals, treating them as personal missions rather than just tasks. 

Working with the #1 economy in the world, known for its innovation, feels like playing in the big leagues for many Latin American professionals. This opportunity inspires them to give their absolute best, pushing their skills and commitment to the next level. 

On the other hand, cultural affinity with the U.S. ensures a natural fit in team environments, enabling developers to provide honest feedback and engage deeply with their projects. Unlike professionals from other regions who may hold back criticisms, Latin American developers are open and direct, helping you identify risks and solutions more efficiently.

The Advantage of Aligned Time Zones

Time zone differences between Latin America and the U.S. are minimal, making nearshoring a practical option for businesses. Developers in similar time zones can collaborate seamlessly during regular business hours, eliminating the delays often associated with outsourcing to other parts of the world.

Compare this to teams in Eastern Europe (GMT+2) or India (GMT+5.5), where a 10-to-13-hour gap can turn minor bugs into major bottlenecks. With your Latin American team, feedback cycles are quicker and tasks are resolved in real-time, ensuring smooth operations and faster turnaround times.

How to Find and Hire Top-Tier Latin American Developers 

Finding and hiring skilled Latin American developers requires a strategic approach. Here’s how you can approach it:

Freelance Platforms 

Websites like Upwork and Freelancer are great resources to find developers for your projects. You can hire for short-term or long-term. As of March 2023, there are approximately 50,000 Latin American freelancers on Upwork. 

These websites are a great way to ensure you’re complying with regulations around payments and contracts when managing a remote team. However, the talent pool is mixed. You’ll need to take the time to interview and vet candidates to find the best fit for your project.

Many freelancers work on multiple projects at a time, which can be problematic for clients with urgent projects. You’ll need to be patient and understand that your developer’s full attention might not be on your project at all times.

Client reviews and ratings on these websites are not always indicative of a freelancer’s abilities. You’ll need to do some legwork to find the right fit for your project.

IT Staffing Agencies Based in Latin America 

If you’re looking for a more personalized approach, consider working with a nearshore agency that specializes in connecting U.S. and Canadian companies with Latin American developers. IT staffing partners offer expert services that not only source the top 1% of Latin American developers but also ensure cultural fit and excellent communication, both critical to the success of your project. 

At BEON.tech, we take it a step further by focusing on long-term retention through career advancement programs. By supporting continuous growth and development, we create an environment where developers thrive and stay engaged for the long haul. For instance, we work with IT recruiters with psychology degrees to evaluate candidates’ soft skills and cultural fit, and tech leads for technical assessments. That’s how we ensure your team gets the perfect match for lasting success.

Network and Leverage Referrals

Don’t forget to tap into your network and referrals when hiring. This is a great way to access talented developers. We’ve worked with many companies that have hired referred colleagues that have been excellent additions to the team.

Best Practices to Find and Hire Top-Tier Latin American Developers

When recruiting developers from Latin America, you need to evaluate their technical abilities alongside their soft skills. This combination guarantees that the developer has not only the requisite expertise for fulfilling the job’s technical requirements, but also harmonizes effectively with the team and aligns with the organizational culture.

Evaluate Tech Skills that Shine

In Latin America, developers have honed technical skills which are pivotal to their roles on tech teams, including specialized knowledge and experience tailored to the projects they undertake. These capabilities render them immensely valuable assets for tech companies.

Software development proficiency is a trademark of Latin American developers, with Java, Python, and JavaScript being key programming languages within their skill set. The expertise these programmers bring in various technological stacks demonstrates why they stand out in the field of software development.

Our approach: At BEON.tech, we conduct every technical interview with a technical leader specializing in the technology being assessed. This fully synchronous interview is divided into two parts: a theoretical section with questions tailored to the developer’s seniority level, and a practical section. We document this thorough evaluation process in detail, creating a resource called the “tech output.” The tech output for each developer includes their technical score percentage, along with a detailed breakdown of the moments where they excelled and the areas where they faced challenges.

Prioritize Soft Skills, The Essential Element for the Perfect Fit

While technical skills are essential, it’s only the beginning. Your team should be able to collaborate, communicate, and work seamlessly together. This is why we focus on developing strong soft skills in our pre-vetted, W-2 developers.

Technical ability is just the beginning. While it’s important your developers can handle complex problems, it’s the soft skills that really separate rockstars from the rest: problem-solving, collaboration, communication, and time management. Developers with these traits become an asset to any team, and a great way to build a strong, cohesive team environment.

Our approach: BEON.tech’s HR interviews are designed to get to know candidates on a personal level. We use scenario-based questions to evaluate how they’d handle real-world situations, communicate with colleagues and managers, and work under pressure. Cultural fit is important to us, and we look for developers who will complement your team dynamic.

We also assess each candidate’s English ability, as strong proficiency is often necessary for U.S.-based projects. You want developers who can communicate confidently and clearly with your global team.

Consider What Top Talent Wants in a Job

It’s not enough to find great Latin American developers; you have to offer them something they really want. Developers in the region prioritize career growth, a thriving tech scene, and meaningful job opportunities. They want to learn and advance, and working for companies that provide workshops, training, and access to conferences is a major differentiator.

Where do you find them? With online platforms, job boards, and tech meetups abound, it’s overwhelming. Leverage these community hubs to your advantage by building relationships and getting involved.

Our approach: At BEON.tech, we provide a world-class talent experience, showing software engineers our care about their development. Developers want to work for companies that offer clear opportunities for growth and training, so make it a big part of your pitch.

Think Beyond the Salary

A bigger salary is not enough to attract top talent. Latin American developers want total compensation packages that include perks like performance bonuses, healthcare benefits, and training opportunities.

Enabling tools are also important. Providing laptops, software, and necessary resources gives your developers the ability to work effectively and be productive.

Our approach: Think beyond the regular benefits. Offerings like health, vision, and dental insurance are not always mandatory, so consider what’s important to your employees and their families in your benefits package.

Hire for the Long Haul

Retaining your team is just as important as hiring it. A positive company culture and work environment go a long way in building trust and keeping employees motivated. Developers who feel valued and supported want to stick around, and will consider long-term opportunities with your company.

Team integration is important, too. Working with a cross-cultural remote team takes effort, but shared experiences can help build those bonds over time. Virtual team-building activities or collaborative projects are a great way to bring everyone closer.

Our approach: A strong company culture can be your secret sauce. When you hire developers who care about your mission and want to be part of something bigger than themselves, they’ll work harder to contribute to its success.

Understand the Legal Environment

The legal environment differs significantly from country to country in Latin America, especially when it comes to employment law, taxation, and data protection. Collaborating with remote developers in this region requires more than a one-size-fits-all approach. You can’t simply export your in-house employment policies or US-based contracting practices to Latin America.

Our approach: Comply with labor laws and taxes in each developer’s home country. This might involve registering with local tax authorities and making regular payments. In many cases, this means understanding local laws regarding income reporting, social security contributions, and withholding taxes. You can hire a team of experts or use a specialized payroll service to handle this—avoiding costly mistakes.

Offer Flexible Payment Methods

When it comes to paying developers, one-size-fits-all won’t do. Each country in Latin America has its preferred payment methods and systems. By offering a range of options, you can make paying your remote team a seamless, hassle-free experience.

Digital wallets like Payoneer and Wise are a great way to pay developers in Latin America. These services are often less expensive than traditional banks and allow you to pay in U.S. dollars or local currency at better exchange rates. Developers appreciate the convenience and speed of these services. 

Additionally, cryptocurrency is becoming an increasingly popular option, offering fast, borderless payments with low transaction fees. Stablecoins such as USDC and USDT, which maintain parity with the U.S. dollar, ensure reliable and predictable payments. Platforms like Coinbase and Binance make it easy to send and receive stablecoins, giving developers the flexibility to convert to local currencies or hold their payments securely. 

Hire High-Quality Latin American Software Engineers without the Hassle

Hiring software engineers from Latin America can be a great way for U.S. companies to gain a competitive edge by accessing a deep talent pool. However, finding and hiring the best software talent can be a long and arduous process.

That’s where BEON.tech comes in. We simplify the hiring process so you can easily access the best software engineers in Latin America. Our tech talent partner package eliminates the hassle of hiring by providing:

• Thorough pre-vetting by experienced IT recruiters and tech industry experts;
• Onboarding assistance so your new hires are set up for success;
• Attractive incentives, including new equipment and benefits;
• Ongoing performance monitoring to ensure your partners continue to exceed expectations.

If you’re ready to build your tech team with top talent while avoiding the headaches, you’ve come to the right place. Partner with us today and learn why we’re the top IT staffing firm for sustainable success. Don’t wait—schedule a call today and start building your dream team!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why has Latin America Become a Hotspot for Sourcing Software Developers?

Latin America is increasingly favored for sourcing software developers because it combines high-quality tech talent with cost-effectiveness and proximity to North American time zones, enhancing collaboration and communication.

This makes it an attractive option for businesses seeking efficient and reliable development resources.

What are the Main Sectors that Latin American Developers Focus On?

LATAM developers mainly concentrate on software development in the finance and healthcare sectors. This focus on quality software developers reflects the growing demand for technological solutions in these critical areas.

What is the Typical Salary Range for Software Engineers in Latin America Compared to the U.S.?

The average salary for senior software engineers in the United States is $150,000, whereas their counterparts in Latin America typically receive between $62,400 and $127,200 for comparable positions.

This reflects a significant salary difference for similar roles in the two regions.

How do IT Staffing Agencies Help in Hiring Latin American Developers?

IT staffing agencies streamline the process of recruiting Latin American developers by providing customized staffing services, tapping into a reservoir of highly skilled professionals and ensuring smooth communication for seamless project integration. Such strategies increase the effectiveness of the hiring procedure for Latin American developers.