Latin America, a region long overlooked by the global tech industry, has seized the spotlight. Tech is booming in LatAm, thanks to increased investment in education and a skilled, time zone-aligned workforce. The area has been turning the heads of US tech companies seeking experienced DevOps engineers, with US hiring in LatAm soaring by 50% year over year in 2023.
DevOps engineers in Latin America
DevOps engineers — IT generalists who manage a company's software development and operations (DevOps) — are notoriously in high demand. It's only getting worse: Demand for software developers, including those with DevOps skills, is expected to grow by 17% from 2023 to 2033. With the anticipated shortfall, US companies are turning to Latin America’s workforce to fill these essential positions.
Latin America's rich tech ecosystem is rapidly growing thanks to significant investments in IT education and training programs. The region has become a hub for DevOps development, with many talented engineers available and eager to work.
Access to a rapidly expanding talent pool is only one reason businesses hire in Latin America. The region's similar time zone promotes real-time collaboration and faster problem resolution. In addition, cultural alignment and widespread English fluency bridge communication gaps, paving the way for stronger, collaborative relationships with US teams.
Average monthly salaries for DevOps in LatAm
Let's get down to the real question: How much does it cost to hire a DevOps engineer in Latin America? We've compared average DevOps engineer salaries in major LatAm countries to average US salaries below.
Note: Salary data is pulled from Howdy.com and the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). LatAm salary estimates are all-inclusive, covering benefits, taxes, equipment, and other costs associated with onboarding and retaining an employee.
How much does it cost to hire a DevOps engineer in the US?
- Average monthly mid-level salary: $8,308
- Average monthly senior salary: $10,804
Demand for DevOps engineers and tech talent drives intense competition and high wages in the US. DevOps salaries in the US are among the highest in the world, particularly in competitive areas like Silicon Valley and Austin. In addition, retention can be challenging due to talent shortages in DevOps-specific skills, especially for startups competing with tech giants.
Note: The estimates above are base salaries and do not include benefits, taxes, and other onboarding and retention costs.
How much does it cost to hire a DevOps engineer in Colombia?
- Average monthly mid-level salary $4,100
- Average monthly senior salary: $6,250
Colombia has a strong, growing pool of English-speaking tech talent, particularly in major cities like Bogotá and Medellín. The country's alignment with Eastern Time supports collaboration with US teams and minimizes communication issues common with remote work across continents.
How much does it cost to hire a DevOps engineer in Uruguay?
- Average monthly mid-level salary: $4,100
- Average monthly senior salary: $6,250
With a stable political environment and government support for tech, Uruguay’s IT talent pool is small but mighty. The country's UTC-3 time zone means DevOps in this region are never more than a few hours ahead of US teams.
How much does it cost to hire a DevOps engineer in Argentina?
- Average monthly mid-level salary: $3,500
- Average monthly senior salary: $5,200
How much does it cost to hire a DevOps engineer in Mexico?
- Average monthly mid-level salary: $4,200
- Average monthly senior salary: $6,500
Mexico offers a thriving, experienced tech workforce and aligns closely with US Central and Mountain Time Zones. The country's time zone compatibility and cultural similarities make Mexico popular among US brands seeking qualified DevOps engineers.
How much does it cost to hire a DevOps engineer in Peru?
- Average monthly mid-level salary: $4,200
- Average monthly senior salary: $5,600
Peru’s tech sector is small but up-and-coming. The country's startup culture is similar to the US, making it easier for Peruvian DevOps engineers to adapt to US teams. In addition, Peru's time zone aligns with US Easter Time, promoting reliable real-time communication and collaboration.
How much does it cost to hire a DevOps engineer in Chile?
- Average monthly mid-level salary: $4,500
- Average monthly senior salary: $6,300
Chile is known for its mature tech market and solid infrastructure. In the last few decades, the Chilean government has invested in digital expansion and education, generating a growing pool of top-notch tech talent. Time zones vary but generally overlap with US Eastern and Central times.
How much does it cost to hire a DevOps engineer in Brazil?
- Average monthly mid-level salary: $3,900
- Average monthly senior salary: $5,800
Brazil has the largest tech workforce in Latin America, though talent competition is high. Some language barriers may exist, but many Brazilian engineers are proficient in English. Time zones vary widely by region in this vast country, but most areas have moderate overlap with US business hours.
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