As part of our ongoing research, Alten Capital regularly analyzes global technology delivery regions to monitor shifts in cost structures, talent availability, and geographic alignment. We previously shared our perspective here (https://alten.capital/blog/understanding-nearshore-dynamics-in-latam). With software products and digital services increasingly delivered by distributed teams, this update reviews Latin America as a nearshore region for software development and technology services, using updated 2025 country-level data for key markets.
Latin America includes more than 30 countries. The tables below presents an updated view of 12 selected markets in the region, highlighting key economic, talent, and operating indicators relevant to software development and technology services delivery.
|
Argentina |
Bolivia |
Brazil |
Chile |
Colombia |
Costa Rica |
|
|
Population |
48.1m |
12.4m |
214.1m |
20.3m |
53.5m |
5.4m |
|
GDP per Capita (USD) |
$13,900 |
$4,600 |
$10,700 |
$17,900 |
$8,600 |
$20,100 |
|
FDI Net Inflows (% of GDP) |
1.8% |
0.5% |
3.4% |
3.8% |
3.3% |
5.6% |
|
Largest Tech Cities |
Buenos Aires, Cordoba, Mendoza |
La Paz |
São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro |
Santiago |
Bogotá, Medellín, Cali |
San Jose |
|
Unemployment |
6.6% |
5.1% |
7.3% |
8.3% |
9.8% |
8.0% |
|
Timezone (difference with ET) |
+1 |
0 |
+1 |
0 |
-1 |
-2 |
|
Universities |
130 |
45 |
181 |
61 |
91 |
60 |
|
Software Developers |
115,000 |
10,000 |
500,000 |
61,000 |
62,000 |
45,000 |
|
Median Annual Software Dev Gross Salary (USD) |
$47,000 |
$55,000 |
$50,000 |
$50,000 |
$46,000 |
$51,000 |
|
English Proficiency Ranking (n = 123 countries) |
#26 |
#49 |
#75 |
#54 |
#76 |
#55 |
Most line items are self-explanatory. The FDI Net Inflow Share by Country shows the percentage of foreign direct investment each country receives, ranging from -4.9% in Uruguay to 5.6% in Costa Rica. Time zone differences may vary during the year due to daylight saving time in the US. We have included all identified universities and graduate institutions, not just technical ones.
|
Ecuador |
Mexico |
Panama |
Paraguay |
Peru |
Uruguay |
|
|
Population |
18.2m |
134.4m |
4.6m |
7.1m |
34.8m |
3.5m |
|
GDP per Capita (USD) |
$7,400 |
$15,100 |
$20,800 |
$7,300 |
$9,400 |
$26,000 |
|
FDI Net Inflows (% of GDP) |
0.4% |
2.4% |
3.7% |
0.9% |
2.4% |
-4.9% |
|
Largest Tech Cities |
Guayaquil, Quito |
Mexico City, Guadalajara |
Panama City |
Asuncion |
Lima |
Montevideo |
|
Unemployment |
3.8% |
3.1% |
7.7% |
5.2% |
6.5% |
8.0% |
|
Timezone (difference with ET) |
-1 |
-2 |
-1 |
0 |
-1 |
+1 |
|
Universities |
59 |
519 |
90 |
77 |
63 |
7 |
|
Software Developers |
NA |
326,000 |
26,000 |
NA |
86,000 |
15,000 |
|
Median Annual Software Dev Gross Salary (USD) |
$48,000 |
$50,000 |
$53,000 |
$46,000 |
$48,000 |
$53,000 |
|
English Proficiency Ranking (n = 123 countries) |
#83 |
#103 |
#70 |
#43 |
#52 |
#34 |
This update is based on multiple data sources with varying levels of confidence. Figures should be interpreted as directional indicators rather than precise data points.
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