Latin America’s technology ecosystem is expanding at a remarkable pace, positioning the region as a prime destination for U.S. companies seeking remote talent. With over 2 million software developers, led by Brazil (≈500 K), Mexico (220 K), Argentina (115 K) and Colombia (62 K), the area offers a deep pool of skilled engineers perfectly aligned with North American needs. These developers not only work in overlapping time zones but often possess strong English proficiency and familiarity with U.S. business practices. Remote hiring from LATAM surged by about 50 % year-on-year in 2023, as organizations aimed to close the global tech talent gap (IDC predicts a 4 million developer shortfall by 2025). Meanwhile, Latin America’s startup landscape is thriving: Brazil and Mexico rank among the world’s top 15 countries for launching new billion-dollar tech firms.
For U.S. recruiters, leveraging this talent pool means lower costs, salaries in LATAM often run 40–60 % below U.S. equivalents for similar roles, while maintaining high-quality output. As a result, nearshoring to Latin America has become a strategic imperative for businesses striving to stay competitive. Below, we explore the five fastest-growing tech areas in LATAM, explain why each is critical, and offer guidance on how to hire top talent through Lathire.
Software development remains the cornerstone of Latin America’s tech workforce. Roughly 23 % of LATAM developers identify as full-stack, 21 % as front-end, and 18 % as back-end specialists, together representing the majority of technical positions. Globally, nearly 44,800 out of 176,000 posted U.S. tech openings were software developer roles in a recent quarter, demonstrating strong demand for coding expertise. In LATAM, core languages such as JavaScript, Python and Java dominate, and companies prioritize engineers capable of handling both client- and server-side tasks.
Full-stack developers are especially prized, thanks to their versatility. A 2024 global survey confirmed that full-stack remains the largest developer category worldwide, reflecting the need for professionals who can take a project from UI wireframes through backend APIs. Front-end experts focus on user experience, crafting responsive interfaces using frameworks like React, Angular, or Vue.js, while back-end engineers build robust server architectures and integrate databases using Node.js, Django, or Spring Boot. Mobile developers (Android and iOS) and embedded/IT systems engineers reside in smaller segments (mobile ≈5 %, IT systems ≈15 %), but they are still in demand as LATAM companies build out apps and infrastructure.
Why Prioritize Software Developers First: Because they constitute the majority of the talent pool and directly power product roadmaps, U.S. firms should secure full-stack and UI/UX engineers early in their hiring process. These roles are abundant in LATAM, meaning recruiters can fill positions relatively quickly through a vetted network like Lathire, ensuring rapid onboarding and alignment with project timelines.
Data-driven decision-making is transforming businesses worldwide, and Latin America is no exception. Revelo’s analysis shows that data-focused positions, including Data Scientist, BI Analyst, and Data Engineer, make up about 11 % of LATAM’s developer base. In response, educational institutions are ramping up curricula: nearly 99 % of Brazilian tech students study data science and analytics topics, with Mexico and Argentina showing similarly high engagement (90–96 %). Core skills include proficiency in SQL databases, Python libraries such as pandas and Scikit-learn, and data visualization frameworks like Tableau or Power BI.
U.S. job boards continue to list tens of thousands of open data roles. For instance, one recent month saw around 18,500 data scientist positions posted, underscoring analytics as a global priority. In LATAM, mid-level data scientists often earn $50 K–$60 K USD annually, compared to well over $100 K in the U.S. This wage differential offers significant cost savings while enabling robust data analytics capabilities. However, the most critical shortage lies in hybrid data/DevOps positions, experienced Data Engineers and Machine Learning Engineers who can build end-to-end data pipelines and deploy ML models into production.
Hiring Tip: Look for candidates with a track record of implementing ETL processes, working with cloud data warehouses (e.g., AWS Redshift, Google BigQuery), and experience with MLOps tools like MLflow or Kubeflow. By prioritizing these hybrid roles, U.S. companies can ensure that their analytics workflows are not only built but also maintained and optimized for scalability.
Artificial intelligence and machine learning represent the fastest-growing segment in Latin America’s tech market. Global AI investments are projected to reach approximately $200 billion by 2025, and LATAM enterprises are rapidly adopting AI solutions to stay competitive. Brazil alone boasts over 20 000 professionals specializing in AI and advanced data science, and Mexico saw a 95 % surge in demand for AI/ML experts in 2024. Tech hubs in São Paulo, Buenos Aires, and Medellín lead the charge, supported by university partnerships and government initiatives to foster innovation.
Despite rapid growth, expertise in cutting-edge AI areas, like generative AI, computer vision, and advanced deep learning, is still relatively scarce. Frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, and GPT-based architectures are being adopted, but top-tier specialists remain in high demand. U.S. companies should actively recruit for roles like Machine Learning Engineer, Computer Vision Specialist, and Data Scientist with Natural Language Processing (NLP) expertise. Senior ML engineers in LATAM can work on generative AI projects, AI-driven recommendation systems, or predictive modeling at a fraction of U.S. cost, with typical salaries ranging from $60 K to $80 K USD.
Action Item: When screening candidates, prioritize those who can demonstrate hands-on experience building production-grade ML pipelines, deploying models on cloud platforms (AWS SageMaker, GCP AI Platform), and optimizing algorithms for performance. These professionals will help accelerate AI adoption and ensure that AI/ML initiatives deliver tangible ROI.
As Latin America’s cloud market accelerates, projected to reach $55 billion USD by 2025 and more than double to $113 billion by 2030, there is a skyrocketing demand for specialized cloud and DevOps talent. Engineers proficient in AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud are essential to design scalable architectures, ensure data security, and automate deployments. Yet only about 1 % of LATAM developers currently identify as DevOps specialists, creating a stark supply gap.
Professionals skilled in CI/CD (Jenkins, GitLab CI), containerization (Docker, Kubernetes), and Infrastructure as Code (Terraform, CloudFormation) are especially sought after. Site Reliability Engineers (SREs) who can monitor system health, implement auto-scaling policies, and optimize reliability are also rare in the region. For US firms seeking robust, cloud-native solutions, linking up with a network like Lathire ensures access to vetted Cloud Architects, DevOps Engineers, and SREs without months of sourcing and vetting.
Key Technologies to Look For:
Hiring the right cloud and DevOps personnel early in your remote-hiring strategy will pay dividends, reducing deployment times, minimizing downtime, and ensuring your infrastructure scales as your user base grows.
Digital transformation in LATAM has made cybersecurity a board-level concern: 86 % of corporate boards in the region list security as a top priority, higher than any other region. As businesses and governments go digital, security threats have multiplied, but workforce growth has failed to keep pace: Latin America’s cybersecurity workforce barely grew in 2024 despite an expanding threat landscape. The global shortage of cybersecurity professionals reached roughly 4.8 million in 2024, and LATAM is feeling the squeeze.
Key roles to prioritize include Security Engineers (capable of designing and implementing security architectures), Security Analysts (skilled in threat detection and incident response), and DevSecOps professionals (who can integrate security into CI/CD pipelines). Expertise in cloud security (securing AWS, Azure, GCP environments), compliance (GDPR-like regulations in Brazil’s LGPD or Mexico’s data laws), and tools like SIEM (Splunk, ELK) or vulnerability scanners (Nessus, Qualys) is essential.
Why This Matters: A single security breach can cost millions in remediation, legal fees, and reputational damage. For remote teams, especially those handling sensitive customer data, embedding security from day one is non-negotiable. By partnering with Lathire, U.S. firms can source pre-vetted cybersecurity experts who understand both global best practices and regional compliance nuances, ensuring robust protection without extensive screening.
Below is a consolidated list of the five categories that should top every recruiter’s agenda when building nearshore teams in Latin America:
Full-Stack & Front-End Developers
Data Scientists & Data Engineers
AI/ML Specialists
Cloud & DevOps Engineers
Cybersecurity Experts
By focusing on these five areas, U.S. recruiters can efficiently allocate resources to roles that deliver the highest impact. Rather than sifting through unvetted profiles on generic platforms, leveraging a specialized talent network like Lathire streamlines vetting, interviews, and onboarding, ensuring alignment with technical requirements and company culture.
Building a robust remote team in Latin America involves more than posting ads on generic job boards. Recruiters face challenges such as language barriers, verifying technical competencies, navigating local labor laws, and ensuring time-zone compatibility. Below is a step-by-step framework for leveraging Lathire to acquire top LATAM talent:
Define Role Requirements Clearly
Draft comprehensive job descriptions outlining technical stacks, project scope, experience level, and desired soft skills (e.g., communication, collaboration). Be explicit about time-zone overlap needs, English proficiency, and availability.
Utilize Lathire’s Screening Process
Lathire pre-screens candidates based on technical assessments (coding challenges, portfolio reviews) and cultural fit evaluations (English tests, personality assessments). This rigorous vetting ensures you only interview well-matched candidates, significantly reducing time-to-hire.
Schedule Structured Interviews
Conduct a two-step interview process:
Offer Competitive Compensation and Benefits
While LATAM salaries are generally lower than U.S. averages, top-tier candidates expect competitive packages that reflect their expertise. Factor in benefits like health insurance, equipment stipends, and professional development budgets.
Facilitate Onboarding & Integration
Coordinate early onboarding activities: set up cloud environments, grant repository access, schedule team introductions, and assign a mentor or buddy. Leverage Lathire’s HR support to navigate payroll, local compliance, and tax regulations seamlessly.
Foster Continuous Learning & Retention
Provide access to training resources, sponsor certifications, and establish clear career progression paths. Encourage participation in local tech meetups and conferences to keep developers engaged and current with emerging trends.
By following this structured approach and partnering with Lathire, U.S. companies can minimize hiring friction, reduce risk, and accelerate time-to-productivity for their remote LATAM teams.
Latin America has emerged as a powerhouse for remote technology talent, mirroring global trends in software development, data science, AI/ML, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. U.S. companies eager to fill skill gaps should prioritize these specialties when hiring nearshore. By tapping into a network like Lathire, recruiters gain access to fully vetted developers, data scientists, AI experts, and security professionals, ensuring swift and reliable hires.
At Lathire, we specialize in connecting U.S. firms with experienced LATAM talent, thanks to deeply aligned time zones, proficient English speakers, and a rich pipeline of over 2 million software developers across the region. Whether you need a full-stack engineer in Buenos Aires, an ML specialist in São Paulo, or a DevOps guru in Mexico City, Lathire streamlines every step: screening, interviewing, onboarding, and ongoing support. Build high-performing, cost-effective remote teams that deliver innovation and growth by choosing Lathire today.
Start hiring the best Latin American tech talent now—visit Lathire to get started.
