Latin America has emerged as a prime destination for hiring skilled developers due to its favorable time zones and competitive rates. Mexico and Colombia stand out as two of the top choices for nearshore technology outsourcing, each offering unique advantages. This article compares Mexico and Colombia for hiring top DevOps engineers, focusing on key parameters like time zone compatibility, tech talent pool, business climate, and English proficiency.
Below, we present the five most relevant points to consider when deciding which country to choose for hiring top DevOps engineers.
Hire top DevOps Engineers in Mexico vs Colombia
Time zone compatibility to hire DevOps Engineers in Mexico vs Colombia
Mexico: Mexico’s geographical location offers full working day overlap with the US Midwest, making communication seamless. Major cities like Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey are within Central Time (CT), aligning well with many US business hours. Additionally, Mexico spans multiple time zones (Pacific, Central, and Eastern), providing flexibility for different regions in the US.
Colombia: Colombia shares the same time zone as the US East Coast (ET), which is advantageous for companies based in cities like New York or Miami. This alignment facilitates real-time collaboration and efficient project management. The maximum time difference with the US is only 1 hour (when considering other time zones), ensuring that teams can work closely with minimal disruption.
Tech talent pool to hire DevOps Engineers

Mexico:
Mexico boasts a substantial tech talent pool, with 42% of graduates in STEM fields, amounting to 219,322 individuals. The government has heavily invested in educational initiatives to foster tech talent, making it a prime location for hiring DevOps engineers.
Tech hubs and infrastructure in Mexico:
- Mexico City: The largest tech hub with numerous startups and established tech companies.
- Guadalajara: Known as the "Silicon Valley of Mexico," it hosts major tech firms and a vibrant startup ecosystem.
- Monterrey: A key industrial and tech center with strong university-industry collaboration.
Colombia:
Colombia has been rapidly developing its tech sector, with significant investments in education and infrastructure. According to the PageGroup study, 3 out of 10 graduates in Colombia are experts in information technologies. The country is the fourth in Latin America in terms of tech graduates, adding a substantial number of new professionals to the tech talent pool each year.
Tech hubs and infrastructure in Colombia:
- Bogotá: The capital city is the primary tech hub, with a growing number of tech companies and startups.
- Medellín: Recognized for its innovation, Medellín has a dynamic tech scene and numerous co-working spaces.
- Cali: An emerging tech hub with increasing investments in tech infrastructure and startups.
English proficiency level and cultural proximity for DevOps Engineers
Mexico: Mexico’s cultural proximity to the US is a significant advantage, facilitating better understanding of business requirements and expectations. However, English proficiency varies, with tech hubs generally showing higher proficiency than rural areas.
Colombia: Colombia also shares a strong cultural alignment with the US, which helps in smooth collaboration. While the overall English proficiency score is low, major IT hubs boast higher proficiency levels.
Cost of hiring DevOps Engineers in Mexico vs Colombia
Mexico: Hiring DevOps engineers in Mexico is cost-effective compared to the US, though rates can be higher than in Colombia. On average, the monthly cost of hiring a DevOps engineer in Mexico is approximately $6,250. This rate reflects the country's significant tech talent pool and strong support for the tech industry.
Colombia: Colombia offers even more competitive rates, with the average monthly cost of hiring a DevOps engineer being around $6,000. The lower cost of living and favorable exchange rate contribute to these attractive rates, making Colombia a cost-effective choice for nearshore outsourcing.
Government support and policies for DevOps hiring
Mexico: The Mexican government actively supports the tech industry through policies that promote ICT education and foreign investments. Initiatives like the creation of tech parks and tax incentives for tech companies have strengthened Mexico’s position as a tech outsourcing destination.
Colombia: Colombia’s government has introduced various initiatives to support the tech sector, such as tax incentives for tech startups and investments in tech infrastructure. Efforts to simplify regulations and attract foreign investments are ongoing, contributing to the growth of the tech industry.
Future outlook for DevOps Engineers in Mexico and Colombia
Mexico: Mexico’s tech sector is poised for continued growth, with increasing investments in education and infrastructure specifically aimed at enhancing DevOps capabilities. The country’s established reputation in the outsourcing industry and proximity to the US will continue to drive demand for Mexican DevOps talent. Companies are increasingly seeking DevOps engineers in Mexico for their expertise in automation, continuous integration, and infrastructure management.
Colombia: Colombia’s tech industry is on a rapid growth trajectory, with significant investments in education and infrastructure focusing on DevOps practices. The government's support and the country’s competitive rates make Colombia an increasingly attractive destination for nearshore outsourcing. Colombian DevOps engineers are recognized for their skills in cloud computing, containerization, and continuous delivery, making Colombia a competitive option for businesses looking to optimize their IT operations.
Conclusion
Choosing between hiring DevOps engineers in Mexico or Colombia depends on various factors, including time zone compatibility, tech talent availability, business climate, and cost considerations. Mexico offers a larger talent pool and well-established infrastructure, while Colombia provides competitive rates and a rapidly growing tech industry. Both countries present compelling advantages for nearshore technology outsourcing, and the best choice will depend on your specific business needs and preferences.
Our thoughts on the pricing structure of Toptal
While it's not possible for us to find details about how much of what a client pays ultimately goes to a candidate, we believe clients looking for transparent and straightforward pricing may want to look at other alternatives.
Our opinion is that if they are charging a client more than $12,000 monthly for a developer, they should at the very least be giving $9,600 to the candidate, but it's likely that it's even less than that.
What Hiring Managers Should Ask Before Choosing a Talent Partner
Before partnering with any talent provider — whether Toptal, Teilur, or others — hiring managers should consider asking the following key questions:
- What percentage of the fee actually goes to the talent?
- Are replacement or satisfaction guarantees included in the contract?
- How are regional salary benchmarks determined?
- Is there full transparency in how rates are broken down?
- What is the long-term cost difference between hiring directly and through a platform?
These questions can help businesses make informed decisions and ensure that pricing aligns with both market realities and ethical compensation practices.








