What is the Average Salary of an AI Engineer in Latin America?

Latin America, a region long overlooked by the global tech industry, has seized the spotlight. Tech is booming in LatAm, thanks to increased investment in education and a skilled, time zone-aligned workforce. The area has been turning the heads of US tech companies seeking top AI engineers and other tech professionals, with US hiring in LatAm soaring by 50% year over year in 2023.

AI Engineers in Latin America

AI engineers — tech professionals who also develop and deploy AI systems and solutions — are notoriously in high demand. It's only getting worse: Demand for AI engineers, including those with engineering skills, is expected to grow by 26% from 2023 to 2033. With the anticipated shortfall, US companies are turning to Latin America’s workforce to fill these essential positions.

Latin America's rich tech ecosystem is rapidly growing thanks to significant investments in IT education and training programs. The region has become a hub for AI-empowered research and software development, with many talented AI engineers available and eager to work.

Access to a rapidly expanding talent pool is only one reason brands should consider hiring in Latin America. The region's similar time zone promotes real-time collaboration and faster problem resolution. In addition, cultural alignment and widespread English fluency bridge communication gaps, paving the way for stronger, collaborative relationships with US teams.

Average LatAm AI Engineer Salaries by Country

Let's get down to the real question: How much does it cost to hire an AI engineer in Latin America? We've compared average AI engineer monthly salaries in major LatAm countries to average US salaries below.

How much does it cost to hire an AI engineer in the US?

• Average mid-level salary: $13,781
• Average senior salary: $16,919

Demand for AI engineers and tech talent drives intense competition and high wages in the US. AI engineer salaries in the US are among the highest in the world, particularly in competitive areas like Silicon Valley and Austin. In addition, retention can be challenging due to talent shortages in AI engineer-specific skills, especially for startups competing with tech giants.

How much does it cost to hire an AI engineer in Colombia?

• Average mid-level salary $3,800
• Average senior salary: $5,900

Colombia has a strong, growing pool of English-speaking tech talent, particularly in major cities like Bogotá and Medellín. The country's alignment with Eastern Time supports collaboration with US teams and minimizes communication issues common with remote work across continents.

How much does it cost to hire an AI engineer in Uruguay?

• Average mid-level salary: $4,500
• Average senior salary: $7,000

With a stable political environment and government support for tech, Uruguay’s IT talent pool is small but mighty. The country's UTC-3 time zone means engineers in this region are never more than a few hours ahead of US teams.

How much does it cost to hire an AI engineer in Argentina?

• Average mid-level salary: $4,600
• Average senior salary: $5,700

Known for its strong tech culture, Argentina is home to many engineers fluent in English and skilled in both design and engineering. The country is one hour ahead of US Eastern time, giving employees ample time to share ideas and communicate with US teams.

How much does it cost to hire an AI engineer in Mexico?

• Average mid-level salary: $4,000
• Average senior salary: $7,000

Mexico offers a thriving, experienced tech workforce and aligns closely with US Central and Mountain Time Zones. The country's time zone compatibility and cultural similarities make Mexico popular among US brands seeking qualified AI engineers.

How much does it cost to hire an AI engineer in Peru?

• Average mid-level salary: $5,000
• Average senior salary: $6,900

Peru’s tech sector is small but up-and-coming. The country's startup culture is similar to the US, making it easier for Peruvian AI engineers to adapt to US teams. In addition, Peru's time zone aligns with US Easter Time, promoting reliable real-time communication and collaboration.

How much does it cost to hire an AI engineer in Chile?

• Average mid-level salary: $4,000
• Average senior salary: $7,100

Chile is known for its mature tech market and solid infrastructure. In the last few decades, the Chilean government has invested in digital expansion and education, generating a growing pool of top-notch tech talent.

How much does it cost to hire an AI engineer in Brazil?

• Average mid-level salary: $3,500
• Average senior salary: $7,000

Brazil has the largest tech workforce in Latin America, though talent competition is high. Some language barriers may exist, but many Brazilian engineers are proficient in English. Time zones vary widely by region in this vast country, but most areas have moderate overlap with US business hours.

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