Mexico’s tech industry has established itself as a major player in Latin America. The tech talent pool is diverse, growing, and increasingly attractive to international companies, especially those in the U.S. who are looking to hire skilled remote tech professionals.
As nearshoring continues to grow, Mexico has gained attention for its geographical advantages, cost efficiency, and access to a large pool of skilled IT professionals.
1. The Nearshoring Phenomenon in Mexico
Nearshoring has become a strategic move for U.S. companies seeking to address supply chain and tech talent shortages. Companies like Tesla and Phillips have already established a presence in Mexico, taking advantage of:
• Proximity to the U.S.: Shorter flights, aligned time zones, and easier communication.
• Cultural alignment: Shared values and work practices that facilitate collaboration.
• Cost-effective hiring: Competitive salaries for tech professionals who have expertise comparable to those in the U.S.
The rise of remote work has allowed U.S. companies to seamlessly integrate Mexican tech talent into their operations, expanding opportunities for software developers, engineers, and other IT professionals.
2. The Who: Who Are Mexico’s IT Professionals?
Mexico has a diverse and growing tech talent pool. According to Bloomberg Linea, there are approximately 326,000 software developers in the country, placing Mexico second only to Brazil in Latin America for the number of developers.
Key characteristics of Mexican IT professionals include:
• Diverse roles: In addition to developers, many Mexican tech professionals are stepping into management and specialized roles.
• Age range: Most tech professionals in Mexico are under 40 years old, with the average age being around 30-34 years old.
• Education: The majority of Mexican tech workers possess bachelor’s degrees or higher.
• Experience levels: Thanks to Mexico’s long-term investment in tech education, the country now boasts a range of professionals with seniority levels from junior to senior developers.
Women in Tech
While Mexico’s tech workforce is predominantly male, initiatives across Latin America are encouraging more women to enter tech fields. Programs aimed at closing the gender gap are showing promising results, leading to an increase in female representation in tech.
3. The What: Mexico’s Tech Ecosystem
Mexico’s tech ecosystem is complex and diverse, with many professionals working in roles that mirror those found in the U.S. Our latest Tech Salaries Report highlights the top in-demand roles in the country:
• Full Stack Developers: 27.9%
• Back End Developers: 22.2%
• Software Engineers: 17.4%
• Project Managers: 16.8%
• Data Analysts: 15.7%
The skills and roles of Mexican tech professionals are aligned with global trends, making them attractive candidates for international tech teams. Companies looking to scale can benefit from Mexico’s expertise in software development, data analysis, and project management.
4. The Where: Tech Hubs in Mexico
Mexican tech professionals are spread across the country, but several cities have emerged as major tech hubs due to their vibrant tech ecosystems and strong educational institutions:
• Mexico City: The country’s capital and largest city, Mexico City has a thriving startup scene and serves as a center for corporate enterprises. It’s home to many large enterprises and international companies.
• Guadalajara (Jalisco): Often referred to as Mexico’s Silicon Valley, Guadalajara is known for its fintech, software, and social startups. The city is a major technical education hub.
• Monterrey: This city is the national capital of advanced industry, particularly focused on consulting and supporting services. Monterrey’s startup ecosystem includes companies in fintech and education technology.
• Puebla: While known for manufacturing, Puebla has seen growth in e-commerce and retail startups, with an increasing focus on small business development.
5. Tech Salary Variations Across Regions
Like in the United States, tech salaries in Mexico vary by region due to differences in cost of living and the local economy. According to the 2024 Mexico Tech Salaries Report, here’s how salaries differ by region:
• Northwest Region (e.g., Tijuana): $2,806 per month
• Northeast Region (e.g., Monterrey): $3,180 per month
• Western Region (e.g., Guadalajara): $3,827 per month
• Central Region (e.g., Mexico City): $3,960 per month
• Southeast Region (e.g., Merida): $2,989 per month
These salary variations make regions like Guadalajara and Mexico City particularly attractive for tech talent, as they offer higher salaries along with strong infrastructure and education programs.
6. The How: Hiring Mexican IT Talent
For U.S. companies looking to hire in Mexico, understanding the legal and logistical aspects of expanding into a new talent pool is critical. Working with the right partner can simplify the process and provide access to Mexico’s growing tech community.
Hiring Solutions include:
• Employer of Record (EOR): This allows companies to hire in Mexico without establishing a local entity. An EOR like CodersLink handles all legal responsibilities and ensures compliance with labor laws.
• Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) Model: This model allows companies to gradually build their operations in Mexico. They start by building a team, operate the team remotely, and then transfer operations to a newly established entity once the team is fully set up.
• Hiring Dedicated Remote Engineers: Whether you need to add one or several remote engineers, CodersLink can help source the right talent from Mexico’s diverse tech pool.
Closing Thoughts
Mexico’s IT professionals are part of a thriving ecosystem, supported by a robust education system and growing demand from both local and international companies. U.S. businesses looking to scale or diversify their teams can benefit from the cost-effective and highly skilled talent available in Mexico.
If you’re ready to explore the potential of hiring from Mexico, download our 2024 Mexico Tech Salaries Report or speak to one of our experts today.
