As the demand for data-driven solutions and AI-powered products explodes, businesses worldwide are scrambling to find skilled data scientists and machine learning engineers. But with U.S. and European salaries for these roles skyrocketing, and local talent in short supply, many companies are discovering a powerful alternative: hiring from Latin America (LATAM). This guide will show you why LATAM is a goldmine for data science and AI/ML talent, how to find and evaluate these specialists, what to expect in terms of salary and skills, and how to build a high-performing, cost-effective team that can compete globally.
Latin America’s investment in STEM education is paying off. According to the World Economic Forum, Brazil alone graduates over 50,000 computer science students each year. Argentina, Mexico, Colombia, and Chile are also churning out thousands of engineers annually, many specializing in data science, statistics, and AI.
LATAM developers aren’t just coders, they’re innovators. According to DevelopersLATAM, many have hands-on experience with AI, machine learning, cloud computing, and data engineering. Bootcamps, university programs, and a thriving startup scene mean that LATAM engineers are often up-to-date with TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn, AWS, GCP, and the latest in deep learning and NLP.
The salary gap is striking. According to the Outsourcing Journal, the average annual salary for a software developer in Brazil is $15,000–$25,000, compared to $80,000–$120,000 in the U.S., a 60% cost saving. For data scientists and AI engineers, the savings are similar, while code quality and delivery speed remain high.
LATAM’s time zones overlap with North America, making real-time collaboration easy. Cultural similarities, work ethic, communication style, and business practices, mean smoother onboarding and fewer misunderstandings. According to McKinsey, cultural compatibility can increase the success rate of outsourced projects by over 25%.
Many of LATAM’s best AI/ML engineers come from top universities and research centers:
These institutions often run specialized AI/ML labs and have strong ties to industry.
LATAM boasts a vibrant ecosystem of meetups, conferences, and online communities:
These communities are great for sourcing talent open to remote work and contract opportunities.
LATAM universities emphasize practical, hands-on learning. Many programs require students to complete real-world data projects, participate in hackathons, and publish research. This means graduates are ready to tackle business problems, not just academic exercises.
LATAM tech talent is fluent in:
According to Statista, over 30% of LATAM developers regularly take online courses or attend workshops to stay up-to-date, a higher rate than in many Western countries.
Many LATAM data scientists have worked with international clients, especially in fintech, e-commerce, and healthtech. They’re used to agile methodologies, remote collaboration, and delivering to global standards.
| Role | US Avg. Salary | LATAM Avg. Salary | Savings |
| Data Scientist | $124,000 | $25,000–$40,000 | 65–80% |
| Machine Learning Engineer | $153,000 | $30,000–$50,000 | 65–80% |
| Data Analyst | $80,000 | $18,000–$28,000 | 65–75% |
| AI Engineer | $140,000 | $28,000–$45,000 | 65–80% |
Sources: Payscale, Outsourcing Journal, Statista
Sponsor meetups, hackathons, or online webinars in LATAM cities to build your employer brand and attract top talent.
Offer stipends for online courses, conference attendance, or certifications. LATAM engineers value growth opportunities.
Use tools like Slack, Zoom, and JupyterHub for daily standups, code reviews, and brainstorming sessions. Take advantage of overlapping time zones for agile teamwork.
Many LATAM professionals are open to full-time, part-time, or project-based roles. This flexibility lets you scale your team as needed.
LATAM countries are rapidly aligning with global data privacy standards (GDPR, etc.). Ensure your contracts and workflows comply with local regulations.
Hiring data scientists and AI/ML engineers from Latin America is a smart, strategic move for any company looking to scale data-driven innovation without breaking the bank. With world-class education, hands-on experience, and a passion for continuous learning, LATAM talent can help you unlock new insights, automate smarter, and innovate faster.
CloudDevs specializes in connecting you with pre-vetted, English-proficient data scientists and AI/ML engineers from across Latin America. We handle sourcing, vetting, payroll, and compliance—so you can focus on building, not bureaucracy.
Ready to tap into the future of data talent?
Hire LATAM Data Scientists and AI/ML Engineers with LatHire→
