Quality assurance (QA) engineers oversee every step of the software development lifecycle, from design and development to debugging and delivery. As more and more brands across industries strive to deliver flawless digital experiences, QA professionals in the US have become in demand and increasingly difficult to hire.
The trend is expected to continue. QA engineers, software developers, and other key tech positions are projected to grow 25% in the next decade, creating over 140,000 new positions to fill each year.
Skyrocketing demand has contributed to a critical tech talent shortage in the US, as payment expectations for coveted QA professionals reach unprecedented heights. Seeking qualified candidates and new perspectives, US startups are turning to Latin America for their hiring needs.
QA engineers in Latin America
With increased educational funding, investment in IT infrastructure, and a flourishing startup scene, Latin America — LatAm for short — is making waves in the tech world. The region is home to a growing pool of highly specialized developers, many highly educated, fluent in English, and eager to work.
Top-notch talent isn't Latin America's only pull. The region's geographical and temporal proximity makes it compelling for companies seeking QA engineers. In addition, cultural similarities and English language proficiency help LatAm QA engineers integrate easily into existing teams.
Average monthly salaries for QA engineers in LatAm
Latin American salaries are competitive without sacrificing quality, thanks to a favorable exchange rate with USD. So how much does it cost to hire a QA engineer in Latin America, exactly?
To give businesses an idea of what they can expect to pay, we've compared average QA engineer salaries in major LatAm countries and the US 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 QA engineer in the US?
- Average monthly mid-level monthly salary: $8,483
- Average monthly senior salary: $10,886
Hiring software engineers in the US comes with obvious perks — including high skill levels and cultural alignment with domestic teams. However, drawbacks include higher costs and competition for senior talent.
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 QA engineer in Colombia?
- Average monthly mid-level salary $3,500
- Average monthly senior salary: $4,600
With an increased emphasis on STEM education, Colombia generates a steady stream of talented QA engineers. Many Colombian developers have strong English skills due to the country's investment in language education. Colombia’s time zone aligns with the U.S. Eastern Standard Time (EST), translating to real-time communication and faster project turnaround.
How much does it cost to hire a QA engineer in Uruguay?
- Average monthly mid-level salary: $3,900
- Average monthly senior salary: $4,800
How much does it cost to hire a QA engineer in Argentina?
- Average monthly mid-level salary: $3,700
- Average monthly senior salary: $4,500
Argentina’s time zone is two hours ahead of EST. Many Argentine developers speak excellent English, with the country leading the region in English proficiency.
How much does it cost to hire a QA engineer in Mexico?
- Average monthly mid-level salary: $3,500
- Average monthly senior salary: $4,200
Mexican time zones align well with the Central Standard Time (CST) and Pacific Standard Time (PST) zones. English proficiency is moderate in the country, and many tech professionals are bilingual. Mexico's proximity and cultural similarities to the US make it particularly popular among North American companies seeking talented QA developers.
How much does it cost to hire a QA engineer in Peru?
- Average monthly mid-level salary: $5,000
- Average monthly senior salary: $6,900
How much does it cost to hire a QA engineer in Chile?
- Average monthly mid-level salary: $2,800
- Average monthly senior salary: $4,300
Chile's capital city of Santiago is two hours ahead of EST. The country has a stable economy, tech-friendly policies, and a fast-growing population of English-speaking professionals.
How much does it cost to hire a QA engineer in Brazil?
- Average mid-level salary: $3,200
- Average senior salary: $4,200
Many major cities in Brazil — including Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo — are only two hours ahead of EST. While English proficiency varies, many tech professionals in Brazil have strong English skills, especially in tech hubs like São Paulo.
Find top-tier QA engineers in LatAm with Howdy.com
Many LatAm countries are emerging as technological powerhouses with world-renowned universities, research centers, and government policies that support business and tech innovation. Hiring in the region unlocks access to a diverse base of experienced QA engineers with a strong education and English proficiency.
Ready to learn more? Let's chat about your hiring needs in a free demo.
