Hiring the right software engineers can make or break your next project. Whether you’re scaling your team or launching a new product, choosing where to hire matters. Two standout countries in Latin America—Mexico and Colombia—are becoming go-to destinations for top-tier tech talent.
But how to hire software engineers in these countries? Let’s break it down point by point, comparing costs, time zones, language skills, education, work culture, and talent pool availability to help you make the best decision.
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How to Hire Software Engineers in Mexico vs Colombia
The following chart compares Mexico and Colombia on six key aspects to consider when learning how to hire software engineers. Both countries stand out as strategic destinations in Latin America due to their geographic proximity, qualified talent, and cultural alignment with North America, but there are differences that can influence the final decision.
Below, we take a closer look at the issues reflected in the chart: time zone compatibility, hiring costs, English proficiency, education and technical skills, work culture, and talent availability. This analysis will help you understand how to hire software engineers in Mexico and Colombia and assist you in choosing the best option for your technology team.
Time Zone Compatibility with North America
Both Mexico and Colombia offer excellent time compatibility for North American companies, but there are nuances:
Mexico: Mexico operates on Central Standard Time (CST), which is typically 1 hour behind Miami (Eastern Standard Time, EST). For example, when it is 9:00 a.m. in Miami, it is 8:00 a.m. in Mexico City, which provides a near-perfect match for business operations, especially during normal business hours. With San Francisco: Mexico's CST is 2 hours ahead of San Francisco's Pacific Standard Time (PST). When it is 9:00 a.m. in San Francisco, it is 11:00 a.m. in Mexico City.
Colombia: Colombia shares Eastern Standard Time (EST) with Miami year-round because it does not observe Daylight Saving Time. When it is 9:00 a.m. in Miami, it is 9:00 a.m. in Bogota. With San Francisco: Colombia is 3 hours ahead of San Francisco (PST). When it is 9:00 a.m. in San Francisco, it is 12:00 p.m. in Bogota.
This comparison shows that both Mexico and Colombia offer great compatibility with U.S. time zones, although Mexico may have a slight advantage for West Coast operations, while Colombia is perfectly aligned with East Coast schedules, which is important when considering how to hire software engineers.
Costs of Hiring Software Engineers
When it comes to cost, both Mexico and Colombia are competitive, but salary expectations can vary depending on the region and other factors.
Mexico: On average, the monthly salary for a mid-level software engineer in Mexico ranges from $3,750 to $5,000 USD. This rate is higher in tech hubs like Monterrey or Mexico City.
Colombia: Software engineers in Colombia typically earn between $3,125 and $4,375 USD per month, with lower costs in cities like Medellín compared to Bogotá.
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Language Proficiency
Good English skills are essential when working with international teams. However, English proficiency rankings and local factors reveal subtle differences.
Mexico: EF English Proficiency Index (EPI) rank: 87 out of 116 countries and Latin America rank: 20 out of 21. Engineers in Mexico, especially those in technology hubs such as Guadalajara and Monterrey, often have strong English skills due to frequent interactions with U.S. clients and exposure to global work environments.
Colombia: EF English Proficiency Index (EPI) Rank: 74 out of 116 countries EF EPI Score: 4855 its position in Latin America: 17 out of 21. English proficiency in Colombia is slightly better on average. Engineers in urban areas such as Bogota and Medellin, especially those in international roles, tend to be bilingual. Top talent in Colombia tends to meet global communication standards in English.
Both Mexico and Colombia offer access to bilingual talent, which is a key factor when considering how to hire software engineers. While Mexico may have a slight advantage due to its closer ties to U.S.-based companies, Colombia's increasing emphasis on English-language training ensures that high-level talent is well-equipped for global collaboration.
Education and Technical Skills
Latin America has a growing number of world-class universities and coding bootcamps. Here is a comparison between Mexico and Colombia:
Mexico: ITESM is ranked 4th in the 2024 QS Latin America & The Caribbean University Rankings, recognized for its innovative approach to education and strong emphasis on technology and engineering disciplines.
Colombia: The University of Los Andes, ranked 7th in the region, is recognized for its rigorous engineering programs and research initiatives. The National University of Colombia, ranked 12th, offers comprehensive engineering programs and is a major contributor to technological advances.
Both countries emphasize end-to-end development, cloud computing, and agile methodologies, ensuring a steady flow of highly skilled software engineers, which is crucial when learning how to hire software engineers. The choice depends more on specific skills than on overall quality.
Talent Pool Availability
The demand for software engineers is skyrocketing, and both countries offer large talent pools.
Mexico: With a population of more than 126 million, Mexico has a larger pool of tech talent, especially in large cities. The government is also investing heavily in STEM education. Mexico City is home to the largest number of startups in Mexico. As of September 2024, the country's capital was home to 358 startups, followed by Monterrey with 86. Mexico graduates more than 130,000 engineers each year. With a talent pool of more than 700,000 developers, Mexico has become a hub for software engineering talent.
Colombia: Although smaller, Colombia's tech scene is booming, especially in Medellin, often called the "Silicon Valley of Latin America. Colombia is one of the largest suppliers of talent in Latin America. The country is investing in improving education, with 4 of its universities ranked among the best in the region. In addition, 28% of students receive technical training, ensuring a steady flow of new technology talent and supporting the future growth of the IT sector and software development services.
Both countries are experiencing rapid growth in their technology industries, making it increasingly possible to find specialized skills in both markets.
Learn more about tech talent pools in Latin America.
Work Culture and Team Collaboration
Understanding work culture can make or break team dynamics.
Mexico: Engineers in Mexico tend to adopt a direct and structured approach to communication, which aligns closely with U.S. corporate culture.
Colombia: Colombian engineers are known for their collaborative and team-oriented mindset, which can be an asset for long-term projects requiring extensive teamwork.
Both cultures prioritize building relationships, so expect engineers to value trust and mutual respect.
Teilur Talent Redefines Transparency in Recruitment
When it comes to recruiting software engineers internationally, transparent pricing can make all the difference. Teilur Talent is revolutionizing the recruitment industry by prioritizing trust and fairness through its transparent pricing model, a key factor to consider when understanding how to hire software engineers.
Unlike many competitors, Teilur Talent openly discloses how payments are distributed between the company and the developer. The margin never exceeds 20% of the payment it makes, ensuring that most of the salary goes directly to the talent. For example, when you're ready to hire a developer, Teilur Talent provides you with clear salary ranges and guides you in making competitive offers. They even show how much of your salary they retain, so you know exactly where your money is going.
By maintaining such a fair and open pricing model, Teilur Talent fosters trust while challenging industry norms, making it an ideal partner for companies looking to hire software engineers in Mexico, Colombia, and beyond.
Learn more about remote hiring: The Importance of Transparency for Developers and Clients.
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a software engineer?
The cost varies by country, experience level, and location. In Mexico, salaries range from $3,750 to $5,000 USD per month. In Colombia, expect to pay between $3,125 and $4,375 USD.
How hard is it to hire software engineers?
Hiring engineers can be challenging due to high demand. Working with recruitment firms or outsourcing partners can simplify the process and ensure access to top talent.
How to hire the right software engineer?
Define your project needs, prioritize technical skills, and focus on cultural fit. Partnering with a recruitment agency can streamline your search for the perfect candidate.
What is the fee for a software engineer?
Fees depend on whether you hire directly, through a contractor, or via an agency.
Conclusion
When deciding how to hire software engineers, Mexico and Colombia stand out as excellent choices, each offering unique advantages. Mexico offers great time compatibility, high English proficiency, and a tech-savvy workforce familiar with U.S. work culture. Colombia, on the other hand, offers competitive costs, a growing pool of highly skilled engineers, and a thriving innovation ecosystem.
Your choice should be based on your company's specific priorities, such as budget, communication needs, and technical requirements. Regardless of the country, partnering with a recruitment service like Teilur Talent can simplify the process.
To help you make the best decision, use the calculator below to estimate your costs and potential savings. For more details and personalized advice, please contact us.
