The U.S. tech industry is facing a growing talent shortage, and fast-moving companies are starting to look beyond traditional hiring models. One of the most effective strategies gaining momentum is hiring software engineers in Latin America. At Nefter, we work directly with U.S. startups and scaling teams, and we’ve seen a clear shift toward nearshoring as a smarter, faster, and more sustainable way to build high-performing engineering teams.
One of the biggest advantages of hiring in LATAM is the time zone alignment. Unlike offshore regions like India or Eastern Europe, Latin America operates in similar or overlapping time zones with the U.S. This makes real-time collaboration possible — no more delayed feedback loops, middle-of-the-night standups, or 24-hour waiting periods for a code review. Teams can work together seamlessly throughout the day, just like they would in the same city.
But it’s not just about time zones. The quality of talent in LATAM is world-class. Countries like Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia are producing highly skilled software engineers who are experienced in modern tech stacks, familiar with Agile methodologies, and accustomed to working in international teams. At Nefter, we’ve seen firsthand how these engineers match — and often exceed — the technical and cultural expectations of U.S. companies.
English proficiency is another area where LATAM engineers excel. Many professionals in the region are fluent or highly proficient in English, especially those working in tech. When we vet talent at Nefter, we evaluate not just technical skills but also communication and culture fit. This ensures that every developer we place is able to collaborate effectively with U.S. teams from day one.
There’s also the economic factor. Hiring in LATAM typically costs 30–50% less than hiring the same role in the U.S. — not because of lower quality, but because of regional differences in cost of living and salary expectations. This cost-efficiency allows startups to extend their runway and mid-sized companies to scale faster, without compromising on the quality of talent they bring in.
Beyond technical skills, what truly sets LATAM engineers apart is their cultural alignment and strong work ethic. Many have already worked with U.S. or European teams and understand the expectations around ownership, delivery, and team dynamics. They’re proactive, engaged, and eager to contribute meaningfully — qualities that are hard to filter for, but essential in a distributed team.
Of course, cross-border hiring comes with its own set of challenges — contracts, local labor laws, payments, and compliance. That’s exactly where Nefter comes in. We don’t just help you find great engineers — we handle all the logistics: local contracts, payroll, legal compliance, and monthly check-ins to support retention. It’s full-stack team building, without the friction.
Nearshoring isn’t just a workaround for the talent gap — it’s a strategic advantage. U.S. companies that adopt this model early are building more resilient, more diverse, and more cost-effective teams. The future of hiring isn’t across the ocean — it’s just a few hours south.
At Nefter, we help U.S. companies find, hire, and retain exceptional engineering talent across Latin America. If you’re ready to explore what’s possible, book a call — and let’s build something great together.