Complete Guide: Hiring Latin American Developers & Nearshoring in Latin America and South America- Part 2 Argentina, Chile, and Colombia
Considering nearshore software outsourcing to the Latin American region? At ACL, we champion nearshoring as an efficient, cost-effective avenue for software outsourcing. Hiring nearshore developers from Latin America allows companies to achieve substantial savings while enriching their teams with a diverse talent pool. With an array of countries to choose from, it's imperative to have a clear guide. We've got you covered with our comprehensive guide on navigating nearshore outsourcing in Latin America. Dive into the essence of nearshoring with us! This three-part guide will help you make informed decisions on the best countries to hire in Latin America!
What makes us experts on Latin America?
At ACL, our proficiency in hiring the finest developers in Latin America is unparalleled. With over 30 years of experience and boasting a robust team of over 700 Latin American developers, we have a sprawling presence across 14 countries in the region. Our sterling track record is further illuminated by our collaboration with industry giants like IBM, Deloitte, Oracle, and Walmart, among numerous others. This success isn't coincidental; it's the fruit of meticulous efforts by our dedicated team of 25 expert recruiters. Over the past two years alone, we've sifted through more than 5,000 developer profiles, ensuring that we only onboard the crème de la crème. This vast experience and laser-focused approach position ACL as the gold standard when it comes to recruiting developer talent in Latin America. For a more in-depth look at our clients and projects, feel free to check us out.
Looking for Custom Software Development? We are pretty good at that also. Want to learn more from a different source? Check out this ARTICLE from Bloomberg about countries leading the nearshore phenomenon.
Hiring Nearshore Developers in Argentina: A Comprehensive Insight
- Embrace Argentina's Panorama:
From tango rhythms to the serene landscapes, Argentina offers more than just tourist attractions - it's a nearshore haven.
- Time Zone Synergy:
Argentina operates on GMT-3. During EDT (Spring and Summer), there's a mere 1-hour difference with the US, and during EST (Fall and Winter), it's just 2 hours ahead. This offers considerable overlap for real-time collaborations.
- Geographic Context:
Connecting Argentina and the US is a journey covering about 5,584 miles. A flight typically takes just under 10 hours, with duration varying based on departure cities.
- The IT Landscape:
Beyond its globally renowned soccer legends and tantalizing dulce de leche, Argentina has another ace - its robust software development sector. This realm has been flourishing since the '90s, positioning Argentina as a Latin American tech epicenter. CESSI highlights a remarkable growth of 50% in software engineers and 36% in tech entities over recent years. A testament to this prowess, Argentina clinched the top position in Coursera's 2019 Global Skills Index for software engineering competencies.
- English Proficiency:
Argentinians boast the highest English proficiency level among Latin American nations. With a score of 556 (out of 800) in the EF English Proficiency Index 2021, the nation globally ranks 30th, facilitating smoother communication in global projects.
- Tech Stack Preferences:
Argentinian developers are adept in a plethora of tools and languages, notably:
- JavaScript, Java
- Python
- HTML/CSS
- Ruby, Ruby on Rails
- WordPress, PHP
Frameworks like Flask, Django, React Native, Angular, Laravel, Symfony, CodeIgniter, and Sinatra.
- Academic Excellence in Software Engineering:
Argentina's rich academic heritage is renowned, offering 38 undergraduate programs and certificates in software development. The 2018 mandate by the CFE emphasized coding and robotics in secondary education, echoing the nation's forward-thinking approach. With this focus, Argentina is poised to further cement its reputation as a hotspot for software talent.
- Cost Dynamics:
Given Argentina's current economic landscape, the software development cost is markedly lower, up to 75% in comparison to the US. This presents a cost-effective avenue for businesses aiming to expand their team:
- Junior developers: $2000-$3000 USD monthly.
- Mid-level talent: $3000-$5000 USD monthly.
- Senior experts: $5000-$8000 USD monthly.
For organizations partnering with staff augmentation agencies, it's prudent to account for a service fee, typically ranging from 20% to 30% of the developer's remuneration, which is invested in ensuring a perfect talent alignment.
Want to learn more about Argentina? Check out our BLOG on how to hire in Argentina!
Hiring Nearshore Developers in Chile: A Snapshot
- Santiago's Strategic Position:
Santiago isn't just the heart of Chile but is also emerging as a significant technology hub in Latin America. Thanks to its strategic location, it enjoys easy accessibility and minimal time difference from the US (EST), making collaboration smoother.
- Journey to the US:
Hopping over to the United States from Chile covers approximately 5,241 miles. That's about a 9.5-hour flight, quite manageable for those important in-person meetings or conferences!
- Santiago's IT Evolution:
The buzzing IT environment in Santiago isn't by accident. Backed by governmental support and a flourishing entrepreneurial spirit, Santiago has scaled up to become Latin America's torchbearer for innovation. The nation's consistent ranking on global platforms, like the Global Innovation Index and the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, speaks volumes about its growth trajectory.
- English Skills:
Wondering about the language barrier? The 2021 EF EPI rankings place Chile at a commendable 47th spot worldwide for English proficiency. The nation stands tall at the 7th position in Latin America, ensuring smooth communication channels for international collaborations.
- Tech Proficiency:
Chilean developers have honed their skills in a wide range of coding languages. Some of the frequently used ones include:
- Perl, Java, Python, Kotlin, Ruby
- Web development tools like HTML/CSS, PHP, WordPress
- Frameworks like Django, React Native, Angular, Laravel, Symfony
- Technologies such as ASP.NET, MSSQL, and Visual Basic
- Focus on Tech Education:
Post the significant educational reforms in 1981, Chile has been relentless in bolstering its academic framework. Today, a robust network of 60 universities with dynamic computer science programs ensures a steady flow of tech-savvy graduates every year. The government's commitment, reflected through the 21% annual expenditure on education in 2017, underscores its vision for a technologically advanced future.
- Cost of Hiring:
When considering the financial aspects, hiring from Santiago could be a value proposition. Here's a ballpark of what you might invest:
- Junior Developers: $2,500 to $4,000/month
- Mid-level Developers: $4,000 to $6,000/month
- Senior Developers: $6,000 to $7,500/month
Do factor in an additional 20%-30% if you're leveraging a staff augmentation firm, which covers their operational costs and the premium service they provide in matching you with the best talent.
Want to learn more about Chili? Check out our BLOG on how to hire in Chile!
Colombia: From Coffee Beans to Code Lines
With the beautiful Colombian flag adorning its streets, Colombia isn't just about rich cultural heritage and aromatic coffee. It's fast establishing itself as a major player in the nearshore development sector.
- Time and Distance: Practically Neighbors!
Colombia shares a close time zone, being just a hop, and skip, and an hour behind the EST/EDT time zone. And if you fancy a quick trip to discuss business over some freshly brewed Colombian coffee, it's a mere 4.67-hour flight away!
- Riding the IT Wave
Undergoing a transformative journey, Colombia’s economy and tech sectors have been in an energetic dance. With impressive growth over the years and the tag of being one of Latin America's business-friendly nations, Colombia's tech aura has never been brighter. Thanks in part to its “Bring IT On” initiative, Colombia has witnessed a tech evolution, with its IT scene booming by 170% in the last five years!
- English Skills: A Work in Progress
While their English proficiency might still be in the 'budding' stage, ranking 81st globally, the blue sheer passion and tech prowess of Colombian developers more than makeup for it. They're all in for a hearty “Hola!” and then diving right into the code.
- Trending Tech Talents
Colombian developers aren't just talented; they're on-trend! They play around with hot coding languages like Java, Python, and Kotlin, while also delving deep into tools like PHP, Django, and Angular. It's a tech party, and everyone's invited!
- Commitment to Coding Education
Colombia’s commitment to molding future tech wizards is noteworthy. With government-backed initiatives and ambitious goals, the nation is on a steadfast path to becoming Latin America’s educational crown jewel. Their ranking in the Global Talent Competitiveness Index speaks volumes.
- Quality with Cost-Effectiveness
Opting for a Colombian developer doesn’t just bring talent to your table; it's also easy on your pockets. A peek at the savings:
- Emerging Enthusiasts: Junior developers at $3000-$4000/month.
- Tech Maestros: Mid-level experts range between $4500-$6000/month.
- Digital Dynamos: Senior devs? Around $6000-$8000/month.
Considering a staff augmentation firm? They add a sprinkle of around 20%-30% on top, ensuring you get the absolute best fit for your tech needs.
Proceed to Part Three of our comprehensive guide, where we delve deeper into the intricacies of hiring practices across various Latin American nations. We're committed to providing you with insightful and valuable information to enhance your global recruitment strategies.
Ready to hire nearshore developers and get started with software development outsourcing?
At ACL we ensure your software development projects are successful by helping you hire the best nearshore developers in Latin America through staff augmentation and nearshore outsourcing. Our technical recruiters will find the top LATAM talent for your development solutions and handle everything from vetting to initial interviewing. Whether you’re looking to hire a big outsourced development team or just do one direct placement, our team can help you welcome the right people to your staff. Contact Us today to book your free discovery call and learn more about our software development outsourcing services!
