What is the Average Salary of a Back-end and Systems Engineer in Latin America?
It’s no longer a secret: Latin America is the newest global contender for tech talent supply. LatAm back-end systems engineers are in particularly high demand, as US businesses seek skilled professionals to design and maintain secure, scalable systems.
With many LatAm countries investing in tech education and infrastructure, the region produces a steady stream of tech workers. Read on to learn about the average salaries of back-end engineers in the LatAm region and discover why US companies are increasingly looking southward for new talent.
Back-end systems engineers in Latin America
In the early 2020s, US tech companies began to take notice of the once-neglected region of Latin America. Many LatAm nations quietly spent the past two decades investing heavily in professional training and education, which generated a fresh crop of capable back-end engineers and other tech workers. Universities in major LatAm countries churn out an estimated 165,000 to 220,000 engineers annually.
Meanwhile, a new era of remote work and domestic labor shortages further incentivized tech to look abroad for new talent. Beyond technical proficiency, LatAm back-end engineers have proved capable of seamless integration with US teams due to compatible time zones, a similar work culture, and widespread English proficiency.
Average monthly salaries for back-end systems engineers in Latin America
Back-end systems engineers build the server-side infrastructure behind websites, apps, and digital platforms. They focus on enabling communication between systems while optimizing performance and maintaining security.
So, how much does it cost to hire a back-end systems engineer in Latin America? Rates vary between countries and experience levels. Below is a breakdown of average back-end engineer salaries in major LatAm countries compared to the US.
Our salary averages are pulled from Howdy.com and the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and include benefits, taxes, equipment, and other costs associated with onboarding and retaining qualified employees.
How much does it cost to hire a back-end systems engineer in the US?
- Average monthly mid-level salary: $11,023
- Average monthly senior salary: $13,962
Back-end systems engineers in the US are among the most sought-after tech professionals, commanding high salaries due to fierce competition and increasing demand. In major tech hubs like San Francisco and Seattle, annual salaries can easily exceed $175,000, with the FAANG giants offering upwards of $300,000 to experienced developers.
How much does it cost to hire a back-end systems engineer in Colombia?
- Average monthly mid-level salary: $4,500
- Average monthly senior salary: $5,000
Colombia has emerged as a key player in Latin America’s tech landscape, with cities like Bogotá and Medellín at the forefront. The country’s English-speaking engineers and alignment with US Eastern Time (EST) make it a popular destination for nearshore talent hunters.
How much does it cost to hire a back-end systems engineer in Uruguay?
- Average monthly mid-level salary: $4,750
- Average monthly senior salary: $5,500
Uruguay is known for its political stability, advanced digital infrastructure, and high investment in domestic education. Although smaller in scale, its talent pool includes plenty of experienced back-end engineers skilled in designing secure and efficient systems.
How much does it cost to hire a back-end systems engineer in Argentina?
- Average monthly mid-level salary: $3,800
- Average monthly senior salary: $6,000
Argentina’s thriving tech ecosystem, particularly in Buenos Aires and Córdoba, is home to skilled engineers proficient in server-side development, cloud integration, and database management. One hour ahead of US Eastern Time, Argentina’s engineers effectively operate within US-based work schedules.
How much does it cost to hire a back-end systems engineer in Mexico?
- Average monthly mid-level salary: $4,200
- Average monthly senior salary: $5,300
Mexico’s proximity to the US, along with its large and diverse talent pool, makes it an ideal destination for hiring back-end engineers. Many Mexican professionals are experienced in global markets and adept at working with modern frameworks. In 2024 Funds Society noted Mexico City overtook Sao Paulo as LatAm’s number one tech talent hub.
How much does it cost to hire a back-end systems engineer in Peru?
- Average monthly mid-level salary: $4,500
- Average monthly senior salary: $5,500
Peru’s tech sector has found a foothold in Lima, where it continues to grow by the day. Engineers from Peru often specialize in scalable architecture and security, and the country’s alignment with the US Eastern Time Zone enhances real-time collaboration.
How much does it cost to hire a back-end systems engineer in Chile?
- Average monthly mid-level salary: $5,000
- Average monthly senior salary: $6,000
Chile has earned renown as one of LatAm’s more established tech sectors, spearheaded by government-led initiatives to promote innovation and investment in digital infrastructure. Chilean engineers are well-versed in back-end technologies, and the country is two hours ahead of New York Time.
How much does it cost to hire a back-end systems engineer in Brazil?
- Average monthly mid-level salary: $4,500
- Average monthly senior salary: $5,000
Brazil has one of the largest engineering workforces in Latin America. Back-end engineers from Brazil are often fluent in English and experienced in handling complex, high-traffic systems across various industries, from fintech to healthcare.
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