
Key Takeaways
- Cost-Effective Talent: Save up to 65% on labor costs while hiring highly skilled engineers.
- Cultural Alignment: Benefit from shared time zones, strong English proficiency, and collaborative work ethics.
- Flexible Hiring Models: Choose from Direct Hire, EOR, BOT, Staffing, or RPO solutions tailored to your needs.
- Comprehensive Support: From sourcing talent to ensuring legal compliance, CodersLink handles the details so you can focus on growth.
Hiring senior software engineers in Mexico is not just a cost-effective strategy—it’s a gateway to accessing world-class talent in one of the fastest-growing tech ecosystems. From competitive salaries and cultural compatibility to robust legal frameworks and innovative hiring models, Mexico offers US employers a comprehensive solution to scale their tech teams efficiently and effectively.
This guide is your one-stop resource to understand the why, how, and what of hiring senior software engineers in Mexico. From navigating compliance and cultural nuances to leveraging hiring models like EOR, BOT, and Staffing, we’ll equip you with the insights and tools needed to make informed decisions.
Why Mexico is a Top Choice for Senior Software Engineers
Mexico stands out as a premier destination for senior software engineers, offering a combination of cost-efficiency, exceptional talent, and operational advantages. From its robust tech hubs to cultural compatibility and government-backed initiatives, Mexico provides everything US employers need to scale their tech teams effectively.
Competitive Costs with High-Quality Outcomes
Cost-Effectiveness:
- According to the CodersLink Tech Salaries Report 2024, senior software engineers in Mexico earn an average of $5,884 USD per month. This is 60%-70% lower than the average salary for similar roles in the US, which ranges between $12,000–$15,000 USD monthly for senior engineers.
- Employers can save over $85,000 per year per engineer when hiring in Mexico without compromising on skill levels.
Savings Beyond Salaries:
- Healthcare Costs: Public healthcare systems like IMSS reduce the employer’s burden for comprehensive insurance.
- Lower Turnover Rates: Retention among Mexican developers is often higher due to competitive compensation and fewer job-hopping trends compared to the US tech market.
Skilled and Diverse Talent Pool
Talent Volume: Mexico boasts 700,000+ tech professionals, with cities like Guadalajara and Monterrey being recognized globally for their thriving tech ecosystems .
Global Skill Relevance:
- Senior engineers often specialize in high-demand areas such as AI, cloud computing, DevOps, and blockchain.
- Certifications: A significant percentage of Mexican engineers hold certifications like AWS, Azure, or Kubernetes, making them highly competitive in global tech environments.
STEM Graduates:
- Mexico produces 130,000+ STEM graduates annually, positioning it as a leader in Latin America for tech education.
- Leading universities like Tecnológico de Monterrey and UNAM collaborate closely with global tech companies to align curricula with market demands .
Proximity and Time Zone Alignment
Real-Time Collaboration:
- Mexico’s shared time zones with the US (PST to EST) allow for seamless communication and team integration, eliminating delays common with offshore teams in Asia or Eastern Europe.
- Developers can actively participate in daily stand-ups, sprint meetings, and real-time debugging.
Ease of Travel:
- Major tech hubs like Guadalajara and Mexico City are just a 2-4 hour flight from key US cities like Austin or San Francisco, making in-person visits simple and cost-effective.
Cultural and Language Compatibility
Cultural Alignment:
- The close economic ties between the US and Mexico create familiarity with work cultures and expectations.
- Mexican developers are known for adaptability and collaborative work ethics, essential traits in remote or hybrid teams.
English Proficiency:
- Mexico ranks #5 in Latin America for English proficiency, with many senior engineers fluent in English due to bilingual education and exposure to US-based projects.
- Developers often have experience collaborating with US clients, making integration smoother.
Government and Educational Support
Innovation Hubs:
- Government-backed programs like ProSoft and initiatives like Mexico’s Technology Parks foster innovation and support tech startups and training programs.
- Examples: Guadalajara is known as the “Silicon Valley of Mexico”, hosting global players like Intel, HP, and Oracle.
Upskilling Opportunities:
- Training programs supported by organizations like CONACYT (National Council for Science and Technology) and tech boot camps ensure that engineers remain competitive with the latest industry trends.
Growing Tech Ecosystem and Stability
Ecosystem Maturity:
- Mexico’s tech hubs aren’t just emerging; they are established ecosystems with strong infrastructure, thriving startups, and corporate giants.
- Example: Guadalajara has been a tech hotspot for decades, attracting companies like IBM and Cisco.
Economic Stability:
- As part of the USMCA trade agreement, Mexico provides a stable framework for cross-border business operations, making it easier for US companies to hire talent without bureaucratic hurdles.
Success Stories
Global Companies Investing in Mexican Talent:
- Amazon, IBM, and Pinterest have successfully scaled their teams in Mexico, tapping into its tech talent to drive innovation.
- Small and medium-sized businesses are also leveraging nearshore teams to achieve scalability without compromising on quality.
Challenges of Hiring in Mexico and How to Overcome Them
While hiring senior software engineers in Mexico comes with its challenges, these hurdles are manageable with the right strategies and partners in place. Leveraging CodersLink’s expertise and solutions, you can overcome these obstacles, build a compliant and cohesive team, and focus on driving innovation and growth.
Understanding Labor Laws and Compliance
The Challenge:
Navigating Mexican labor laws can be complex, especially for US employers unfamiliar with local requirements. This includes mandatory bonuses (Aguinaldo), vacation premiums, and contributions to public healthcare and pension systems (IMSS and INFONAVIT).
Key Points to Consider:
- Mandatory Bonuses:
- Aguinaldo (Christmas bonus) must equal at least 15 days of wages and be paid by December 20.
- Vacation premium requires a 25% wage increase during vacation periods .
- Social Security Contributions: Employers are responsible for paying into public benefits like healthcare and housing, which typically account for 30%-40% of gross salaries.
- Termination Costs: Severance pay in Mexico is significantly higher than in the US, often involving multiple months’ salary.
How to Overcome It:
- Partner with an Employer of Record (EOR) like CodersLink to handle legal compliance, payroll, and benefits.
- Ensure contracts are legally compliant with Mexican labor standards, including clear terms for salaries, benefits, and severance.
- Consult with local legal experts or rely on CodersLink’s HR advisory services.
Navigating the Hiring Process Remotely
The Challenge:
Hiring remote employees requires robust processes for vetting, interviewing, and onboarding—tasks that can be particularly difficult when dealing with a foreign talent pool.
Key Points to Consider:
- Evaluating technical skills remotely can be challenging without structured processes or local insights.
- Onboarding employees remotely may lead to miscommunication, delays, or a lack of team cohesion.
How to Overcome It:
- Leverage CodersLink’s recruitment services to access pre-vetted candidates with proven track records in senior engineering roles.
- Use structured interview frameworks that combine technical assessments, project-based evaluations, and behavioral interviews.
- Create a strong onboarding program tailored for remote employees, including frequent check-ins, clear documentation, and dedicated mentors.
Competing for Top Talent in a Competitive Market
The Challenge:
Mexico’s tech talent pool is growing, but competition for skilled senior engineers is fierce, especially in hubs like Guadalajara and Mexico City.
Key Points to Consider:
- Tech giants like Amazon and IBM actively hire from Mexico’s talent pool, raising expectations for compensation and benefits.
- Skilled professionals often prioritize employers offering remote flexibility, career growth opportunities, and a positive work culture.
How to Overcome It:
- Offer Competitive Compensation: Reference CodersLink’s salary benchmarks to align with market expectations .
- Invest in Career Development: Provide access to certifications, training programs, and professional growth opportunities.
- Emphasize Flexibility: Many Mexican engineers value remote or hybrid roles. Craft job descriptions that highlight flexible arrangements.
- Build an Employer Brand: Showcase your company’s culture, values, and projects to attract top-tier talent. Use platforms like LinkedIn, Glassdoor, and CodersLink’s talent network to enhance visibility.
Managing Cultural and Communication Differences
The Challenge:
While Mexican professionals often align well with US work culture, subtle differences in communication styles, work expectations, and cultural norms can lead to misunderstandings.
Key Points to Consider:
- Mexican engineers value collaborative environments but may initially hesitate to challenge authority or offer unsolicited feedback.
- Social relationships are highly valued in Mexican work culture, which can impact team dynamics if not acknowledged.
How to Overcome It:
- Foster Open Communication: Encourage regular feedback loops and create a psychologically safe environment for employees to share ideas.
- Provide Cross-Cultural Training: Educate your US teams about Mexican work culture and vice versa to enhance collaboration.
- Leverage Local Expertise: CodersLink’s account managers can offer insights into bridging cultural gaps and fostering cohesion.
Scaling Quickly While Managing Operations
The Challenge:
As your team in Mexico grows, operational complexities like payroll, taxes, and compliance increase exponentially.
Key Points to Consider:
- Scaling rapidly may lead to errors in payroll calculations, delays in compliance filings, or inconsistent employee experiences.
- Managing operations in Mexico without local expertise can stretch HR and finance teams.
How to Overcome It:
- Use CodersLink’s Employer of Record (EOR) services to streamline operations, ensuring consistent compliance and payroll accuracy.
- Consider centralized tools for managing employee benefits, performance reviews, and communication to maintain consistency across your global teams.
The Role of CodersLink
CodersLink minimizes these challenges by providing:
- Legal and Compliance Expertise: From payroll to contracts, CodersLink ensures you meet all legal obligations.
- Talent Solutions: Gain access to pre-vetted, highly skilled senior engineers ready to contribute to your team.
- Localized Support: Tap into CodersLink’s knowledge of the Mexican tech market to navigate cultural and operational nuances effectively.
Steps to Hiring Senior Engineers in Mexico
In this section, we’ll break down the actionable steps for US employers to successfully hire senior software engineers in Mexico. Each step is designed to address practical needs while minimizing risks and maximizing efficiency.
1. Define Your Needs
Clarifying your project and team requirements ensures you attract candidates with the right skill set and experience. In a competitive market, a well-defined role helps streamline the hiring process and avoids mismatched expectations.
Key Actions:
- Identify Technical Skills:
- Common skills for senior engineers in Mexico include proficiency in JavaScript, Python, AWS, and DevOps .
- Use CodersLink’s salary benchmarks to match compensation with specific skills and roles.
- Outline Experience Requirements:
- Senior engineers typically have 5+ years of experience with leadership in projects, code reviews, or mentoring roles.
- Specify experience with methodologies like Agile or tools like Docker and Kubernetes.
- Cultural Fit:
- Highlight traits that align with your company culture, such as adaptability, collaboration, and communication.
2. Choose the Right Hiring Model
The hiring model you select impacts your ability to scale effectively, manage compliance, and integrate senior software engineers into your team. CodersLink offers a range of solutions to fit your specific needs, whether you’re building a fully remote team, relocating talent to your HQ, or scaling quickly with flexible arrangements.
Direct Hire
Best For: Companies planning to relocate talent to their headquarters or hire full-time employees directly in Mexico.
How CodersLink Helps:
- Assists with identifying and vetting top candidates.
- Provides relocation support, including work visas, logistics, and settling-in services.
- Ensures that employment contracts and terms align with both US and Mexican labor laws.
Employer of Record (EOR)
Best For: Companies without a legal entity in Mexico who need a compliant and efficient way to employ talent.
How CodersLink Helps:
- Acts as the legal employer, handling payroll, benefits, and compliance on your behalf.
- Ensures adherence to labor laws, social security contributions, and mandatory benefits like Aguinaldo and vacation premiums.
Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT)
Best For: Companies looking to establish a dedicated team in Mexico with the option to transition to full operational control over time.
How CodersLink Helps:
- Builds and operates the team, handling recruitment, compliance, and operational logistics.
- Facilitates the seamless transfer of the team to your management when you’re ready to take over.
Staffing Solutions
Best For: Companies needing flexibility to quickly scale up or down based on project requirements.
How CodersLink Helps:
- Provides access to senior engineers for short- or long-term projects.
- Handles contracts and compliance, so you can focus on deliverables without administrative concerns.
Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO)
Best For: Companies aiming to outsource part or all of their recruitment function to scale hiring efforts.
How CodersLink Helps:
- Manages end-to-end recruitment, from sourcing and interviewing to onboarding talent.
- Leverages its expertise and network to accelerate time-to-hire for senior-level roles.
Key Considerations for Choosing the Right Model:
- Business Goals: Do you need flexibility, permanent talent, or the ability to scale a team quickly?
- Compliance Needs: If you lack a legal entity in Mexico, EOR or staffing solutions simplify the process.
- Relocation Plans: Direct hire with relocation support is ideal for companies bringing talent in-house.
- Long-Term Vision: BOT is perfect for those looking to build a dedicated team with operational control in the future.
3. Source and Attract Talent
Attracting top-tier engineers in Mexico’s competitive market requires targeted strategies and reliable networks.
Key Actions:
- Leverage Talent Networks:
- Use platforms like CodersLink to access a pool of pre-qualified senior engineers.
- Utilize job boards or LinkedIn for direct outreach.
- Craft Competitive Job Descriptions:
- Highlight benefits such as flexible work arrangements, career growth opportunities, and competitive salaries.
- Include details on tools, technologies, and team culture to attract the right candidates.
- Showcase Employer Brand:
- Highlight successful projects, company values, and career development opportunities to stand out.
4. Conduct Interviews and Assessments
Thorough interviews and assessments ensure you hire candidates who meet both technical and cultural requirements.
Key Actions:
- Technical Assessments:
- Use coding challenges, project-based tests, or tools like HackerRank to evaluate technical skills.
- Assess expertise in critical areas like architecture design, code reviews, and debugging.
- Behavioral Interviews:
- Explore problem-solving approaches, teamwork, and leadership experiences.
- Sample Question: “Can you describe a time you led a project with cross-functional teams? How did you handle conflicts or challenges?”
- Panel Interviews:
- Include technical leads and HR representatives to evaluate both hard and soft skills.
5. Manage Contracts and Compliance
Ensuring legal compliance protects your company from fines or disputes and builds trust with employees.
Key Actions:
- Draft Compliant Contracts:
- Include details on salary, bonuses (e.g., Aguinaldo), vacation days, and termination policies.
- Specify ownership of intellectual property (IP) for clarity on project deliverables.
- Payroll Setup:
- Partner with an EOR like CodersLink to handle payroll taxes, social security contributions, and benefits.
- Stay Updated on Labor Laws:
- Mexican labor laws may change; rely on CodersLink’s expertise to stay compliant.
6. Onboard Effectively
A strong onboarding process sets the stage for long-term success and team integration.
Key Actions:
- Pre-Onboarding Preparation:
- Provide necessary equipment, software, and access credentials before day one.
- Share an onboarding schedule with clear milestones.
- Team Integration:
- Host virtual or in-person introductions with team members.
- Use collaborative tools like Slack or Microsoft Teams to foster communication.
- Performance Support:
- Assign mentors to guide new hires through processes, projects, and company culture.
- Schedule regular check-ins during the first three months to address questions and concerns.
CodersLink’s Role in Streamlining This Process
CodersLink simplifies every step of the hiring journey:
- Access to Talent: Tap into a curated pool of senior engineers skilled in diverse technologies.
- Legal Compliance: Ensure contracts, payroll, and benefits adhere to Mexican labor laws through EOR services.
- Localized Expertise: Get insights into the Mexican talent market, compensation trends, and best practices.
Salary and Compensation Insights
Now we’ll focus on understanding the cost structure of hiring senior software engineers in Mexico, including salary benchmarks, legally mandated benefits, and strategies for crafting competitive offers that attract top talent.
Competitive Salaries in Mexico
Salary Benchmarks:
- According to the CodersLink Tech Salaries Report 2024, senior software engineers in Mexico earn an average of $5,884 USD per month .
- In high-demand regions like Guadalajara and Mexico City, salaries may reach up to $7,500 USD monthly for specialized roles in fields such as AI, blockchain, or DevOps.
Comparison to US Salaries:
- The average salary for a senior software engineer in the US is approximately $12,000–$15,000 USD per month, making Mexico a cost-saving option of up to 65% without sacrificing quality.
Pro Tip: Use salary benchmarks as a starting point but account for additional benefits and perks that could enhance your offer.
Bonuses and Legally Mandated Benefits
Mexican labor laws require employers to provide several additional payments and benefits. These can add 30%-40% to the gross salary and must be factored into your total compensation strategy.
Key Mandated Benefits:
-
- Aguinaldo (Christmas Bonus): At least 15 days of wages must be paid by December 20 each year. This is a significant cultural and financial expectation for employees. Many competitive employers offer 20-30 days to attract top talent.
- Vacation Premium: Employees receive a 25% premium on wages during their vacation period. With recent labor reforms, employees are now entitled to 12 days of vacation starting their second year of employment, up from 6 days previously.
- Profit Sharing (PTU): If your company has a legal entity in Mexico, you may need to share 10% of pre-tax profits with employees annually.
- Social Security Contributions: Employers must contribute to IMSS (healthcare), INFONAVIT (housing), and retirement accounts, which typically totals 30%-35% of the employee’s gross salary.
Additional Costs to Consider
- Healthcare: While public healthcare is partially covered through IMSS contributions, many companies offer private health insurance as a perk to attract senior talent.
- Equipment and Home Office Setup: Providing laptops, ergonomic chairs, and stipends for home office expenses has become standard for remote roles.
- Training and Upskilling: Offering access to certifications (e.g., AWS, Azure) and training programs can be a deciding factor for senior engineers.
Strategies for Offering Competitive Compensation
- Align Salaries with Market Expectations:
- Use data from salary reports and regional trends to ensure your offer is competitive. For example:
- A senior engineer in Monterrey might command $6,500 USD, while in Guadalajara, it could be $7,000 USD, depending on the tech stack.
- Offer Perks Beyond Mandates:
- Flexible work arrangements (remote or hybrid).
- Access to cutting-edge projects or leadership opportunities.
- Stock options or bonuses tied to performance.
- Highlight Career Growth:
- Senior engineers value professional development. Outline opportunities for mentorship, project leadership, and upskilling.
Total Cost Comparison
To demonstrate the cost advantages of hiring in Mexico, consider the total cost of employment for a senior software engineer:
Expense | US (Monthly) | Mexico (Monthly) |
Base Salary | $12,000–$15,000 USD | $5,500–$7,500 USD |
Bonuses & Benefits | $4,000 USD (approx.) | $2,000–$2,500 USD |
Total | $16,000–$19,000 USD | $7,500–$10,000 USD |
Savings: Hiring in Mexico can result in a 40%-60% reduction in total costs while maintaining access to top-tier talent.
How CodersLink Helps You Get It Right
CodersLink ensures your salary and compensation packages align with market standards while remaining competitive:
- Salary Benchmarking: Access real-time data to craft offers that resonate with top talent.
- Payroll Compliance: Avoid costly errors by relying on CodersLink to manage legally mandated payments and contributions.
- Custom Compensation Strategies: Tailor offers with localized insights to attract and retain senior engineers.
Cultural Considerations and Best Practices
When hiring and managing senior software engineers in Mexico, understanding cultural nuances is as important as competitive compensation. A thoughtful approach to cultural alignment enhances collaboration, trust, and long-term retention. In this section, we’ll explore key cultural considerations and actionable best practices for US employers.
Key Cultural Considerations
A. Collaboration and Teamwork
- Mexican engineers often thrive in collaborative environments and value team-oriented dynamics.
- Cultural Nuance: Decision-making may lean toward consensus, with employees sometimes deferring to leadership rather than asserting their opinions directly.
How to Adapt:
- Foster an open-door policy and encourage active participation in brainstorming and problem-solving.
- Create an inclusive environment where every team member feels comfortable contributing.
B. Communication Styles
- Direct vs. Indirect Communication: Mexican professionals may prefer indirect communication styles, especially in conflict situations. This can sometimes be misinterpreted as reluctance to share feedback.
- Language Fluency: While many senior engineers are fluent in English, occasional cultural or linguistic differences might arise.
How to Adapt:
- Use clear and concise communication to avoid misunderstandings.
- Encourage regular feedback loops through one-on-one meetings or anonymous surveys.
- Leverage tools like Slack or Teams for asynchronous communication to bridge any gaps.
C. Work-Life Balance and Family Values
- Family plays a central role in Mexican culture, and employees often prioritize family commitments.
- Cultural Nuance: Important holidays and events like Mother’s Day (May 10) or Día de Muertos (November 1–2) are deeply ingrained in Mexican traditions.
How to Adapt:
- Be flexible around culturally significant holidays and school breaks (refer to the School Holidays to Consider section).
- Offer remote work options or flexible schedules during key cultural or family events.
D. Recognition and Retention
- Employees in Mexico value recognition for their contributions, both formally and informally.
- Cultural Nuance: Public acknowledgment of achievements or milestones is highly appreciated and fosters a sense of belonging.
How to Adapt:
- Celebrate milestones such as work anniversaries or project completions.
- Recognize achievements through company-wide emails, awards, or bonuses.
How CodersLink Supports Cultural Alignment
CodersLink helps you:
- Navigate Cultural Nuances: From holiday calendars to communication best practices, CodersLink provides guidance tailored to your team’s needs.
- Integrate Seamlessly: Expert onboarding support ensures your US and Mexican teams collaborate effectively from day one.
- Foster Engagement: Access tools, resources, and advice to maintain high employee satisfaction and retention.
Partnering with CodersLink
When hiring senior software engineers in Mexico, the complexities of compliance, cultural nuances, and talent sourcing can be challenging to navigate alone. CodersLink simplifies the process, acting as your strategic partner to ensure a seamless, efficient, and compliant hiring experience. Here’s how CodersLink can support your hiring journey from start to finish.
Access to Pre-Vetted Talent
Finding qualified senior engineers with the right technical expertise and cultural fit can be time-consuming. CodersLink’s curated network of professionals simplifies this process.
What CodersLink Offers:
- Deep Talent Pool: Access to over 20,000 pre-vetted professionals, including specialists in high-demand fields like AI, DevOps, blockchain, and cloud computing.
- Customized Search: CodersLink tailors its sourcing to match your specific requirements, ensuring you connect with engineers who align with your technical needs and company culture.
Compliance and Legal Expertise
Navigating Mexico’s labor laws, payroll requirements, and tax contributions can be overwhelming for US employers unfamiliar with local regulations. CodersLink ensures full compliance, protecting you from potential legal risks.
What CodersLink Offers:
- Employer of Record (EOR) Services: CodersLink becomes the legal employer, managing payroll, benefits, and compliance while you retain control over day-to-day operations.
- Compliant Contracts: Ensures employment agreements adhere to Mexican labor laws, including mandatory benefits like Aguinaldo, vacation premiums, and social security contributions.
- Tax and Payroll Management: Handles all payroll-related obligations, including IMSS, INFONAVIT, and income tax filings.
Flexible Hiring Models
Every company’s needs are different. CodersLink offers a range of hiring models to match your goals, whether you’re scaling quickly or establishing a long-term team.
What CodersLink Offers:
- Direct Hire: Ideal for companies planning to relocate talent to their HQ, with full support for relocation logistics and work visa processing.
- Employer of Record (EOR): A hassle-free solution for managing remote teams in Mexico.
- Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT): Start with a dedicated team managed by CodersLink and seamlessly transition to full operational control.
- Staffing Solutions: Flexible staffing arrangements to scale up or down based on project needs.
- Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO): Outsource your recruitment process to CodersLink for faster, more efficient talent acquisition.
Localized Insights and Cultural Support
Cultural alignment is key to building cohesive and productive teams. CodersLink provides the local expertise you need to foster collaboration between US and Mexican teams.
What CodersLink Offers:
- Cultural Sensitivity Training: Guidance on communication styles, work-life balance expectations, and key cultural norms.
- Holiday Planning: Ensures you understand and accommodate mandatory and culturally significant holidays in Mexico.
- Team Integration Support: Helps align your US and Mexican teams through onboarding programs and ongoing HR support.
Streamlined Onboarding and Retention
A smooth onboarding process and clear career growth opportunities are essential to retaining top-tier talent.
What CodersLink Offers:
- Structured Onboarding: CodersLink provides tools and guidance to ensure new hires integrate quickly and effectively.
- Retention Strategies: Advice on competitive compensation, benefits, and professional development opportunities to reduce turnover.
- Continuous Support: Access to CodersLink’s HR team for resolving issues or refining processes as your team grows.
Proven Success with US Companies
CodersLink’s track record speaks for itself, having helped global companies successfully build and manage tech teams in Mexico.
- Global Tech Giants: CodersLink has supported companies like Pinterest and Amazon in scaling their tech teams with highly skilled Mexican engineers.
- Startups: Provided tailored staffing solutions to rapidly growing startups needing senior talent without the overhead of a local entity.
Ready to transform your hiring strategy? Contact CodersLink today to start building your team of senior software engineers in Mexico. Let us handle the complexities while you focus on innovation and growth.