2026 Salary Guide: US vs. Latin America
Discover US and Latin American Salaries by Role.
Introduction
US companies achieve significant cost savings by hiring remote talent in Latin America, where living costs are lower than in the US.
Latin America (LatAm) is home to a diverse and talented workforce with a wide range of skills and experience.
The region has seen significant growth in industries such as software development, finance, and customer service, making it an attractive destination for companies looking to source from a larger talent pool.
Whether you’re looking for a software engineer, an accountant, a customer service rep, or any other role that can be done remotely, in our experience, LatAm has the talent you need.
In this guide, we will provide an overview of the most in-demand roles in LatAm and a breakdown of salary ranges, market trends, and cost-of-living information.
We cover the salary ranges in the US and LatAm across ten fields—accounting, finance, sales, marketing, customer support, operations, HR, IT, data, and design. Also, for each country covered in our cost-of-living section (Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru), you’ll find costs for housing, food, healthcare, and taxes.
We always guide our clients on appropriate offers to make, but you can use the info in this guide as a starting point to understand what fair, competitive compensation looks like in different Latin American markets. This will help you assess whether hiring from LatAm makes sense for your specific hiring needs and budget.
Why US Companies Are Hiring in Latin America
Thousands of US companies are turning to LatAm to hire remote talent, and there are several clear reasons why.
Latin America has a growing tech sector and skilled workforce
The remote job market in LatAm is showing positive trends in 2026, making it an ideal time for companies looking to hire talent from the region.
Workers and employers in LatAm recognize the importance of investing in skill and professional development. According to the World Economic Forum,
84% of employers in Latin America and the Caribbean plan to upskill their workforce themselves to meet rising demand for digital and tech talent.
Free education has also been a key driver in increasing the number of STEM professionals in LatAm. In countries such as Mexico and Brazil, the government has implemented programs to provide free or low-cost education to students, focusing on STEM fields.
This investment has created a large pool of highly skilled professionals with degrees from reputable institutions like Universidade de São Paulo (Brazil), Tecnológico de Monterrey (Mexico), and Universidad de Buenos Aires (Argentina).
According to the Georgetown Center for Security and Emerging Technology, Mexico now graduates 26% of its students in STEM fields compared to 20% in the US. Brazil follows at 17%.
This has particularly benefited the technology sector, which is rapidly growing in LatAm. The region has become a hub for software development and IT services.
English proficiency is also rising across the region, especially among younger professionals in tech hubs like São Paulo, Buenos Aires, and Mexico City. Argentina, for example, ranks 26th globally in English proficiency according to the EF English Proficiency Index.
Across LatAm, there is an increasingly large pool of talented individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to meet the demands of businesses and organizations in the region and in the US.
US-LatAm time zone alignment allows for real-time collaboration
One of the most practical advantages of hiring in Latin America is time zone overlap. Our recent report on why US companies hire in LatAm showed that 30% of US companies exploring LatAm hiring are specifically looking to switch from more distant regions like Asia or Eastern Europe to Latin America.
The challenge with hiring in distant time zones isn’t just about coordination. It’s about sustainability.
A large time zone gap creates one of two problems: either you accept delays because your team is asleep when you need them, or you ask them to work nights, which leads to burnout and higher turnover.
Latin American professionals work during normal daytime hours that overlap with the US workday.
Teams can collaborate in real-time without anyone sacrificing their sleep schedule or work-life balance. Quick questions get answered immediately. Standups happen when everyone is actually awake and alert. Projects move forward without the friction of either overnight delays or unsustainable night-shift schedules.
For departments that need real-time collaboration—sales, development, customer support, marketing, finance—this overlap makes a significant difference in both productivity and team sustainability.
LatAm salary costs enable US companies to hire experienced talent
As the cost of living is generally lower in LatAm than in the US, the salary expectations of LatAm workers are also lower. This means US businesses can make substantial savings on their wage costs while still providing a fair and generous salary to their LatAm remote workers.
But the salary differential creates an opportunity that goes beyond just cost savings. According to our latest State of LatAm Hiring Report, 84% of our placements are for mid-level or senior positions, not entry-level roles.
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Companies are using the cost advantage to hire more experienced talent than they could afford domestically. For example, a senior accountant who would command $120,000 in the US might expect $50,000 in Latin America, allowing companies to access expertise they otherwise couldn’t fit in their budgets.
This creates better outcomes for both sides. US companies build stronger teams with more experienced professionals who can deliver results immediately.
LatAm professionals earn salaries that are often higher than what local companies offer, giving them access to better opportunities and career growth.
When both sides genuinely benefit from the arrangement, it leads to stronger commitment and better retention. (And in fact, our data shows that, on average, LatAm hires stay longer than US-based hires.)
The result is that companies can build high-performing teams with the experience level they need to execute well, not just fill seats at the lowest possible cost.
In summary, the LatAm talent market presents a cost-effective solution for companies looking to hire remotely in 2026.
With uncertainty hanging over the economy and demand for salary increases, many US employers are turning to the region for skilled and motivated workers.
Most In-Demand Roles US Companies Are Filling With LatAm Talent
US companies are filling a wide range of roles with Latin American talent.
According to our State of LatAm Hiring Report, the most commonly filled positions include BDRs/SDRs, accountants, customer support representatives, executive assistants, and software engineers—though companies are hiring across every department from finance to marketing to IT.
Software development has seen particularly strong growth, with demand for LatAm developers increasing 250% year-over-year.
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But it’s not just tech roles—we see companies building out entire sales teams, accounting departments, and operations functions with LatAm professionals.
We consistently see that if the role can be done remotely, LatAm has the talent to fill it.
US vs. LatAm Salary Ranges by Department
The salary ranges in this guide cover differences between US and Latin American salaries across 10 fields: accounting, finance, sales, marketing, customer support, operations, HR, IT, data, and design.
Keep in mind that these are averages based on typical market rates.
Actual compensation will vary depending on the candidate’s experience level, specific skills, location within Latin America, and the complexity of the role.
Nevertheless, the information provided in this guide can give businesses an idea of the cost savings they can expect when hiring remote workers in LatAm, as well as the range of talent available in the region.
Choose one of the fields below to learn about the roles in that field that can be filled by remote LatAm talent and the average minimum and maximum salary ranges for each role in comparison to US salaries.
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Cost of Living in Latin America vs. the US
Salary expectations in LatAm vary. Each country has unique socioeconomic conditions, leading to diverse living costs that affect salary expectations.
This section will provide an overview of the cost of living in five LatAm countries: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru. We will also cover the US so that you have a reference point to compare the LatAm living costs to.
We will give an overview of how much essential items (housing, food, healthcare, and taxes) cost in each country. This information can help you understand the cost of living expenses remote workers in LatAm may have, which will help you make informed decisions when setting salaries and compensation packages.
United States
The US is known for its robust and dynamic business environment, diverse industries, and competitive market. With its strong economy and numerous growth opportunities, it is no surprise that businesses worldwide set up shop in the US.
However, with a high cost of living and expensive healthcare and taxes, businesses must also factor in these costs when deciding between local and international remote talent.
Economic Snapshot:
Housing
Given the vast area of the US, housing costs vary greatly depending on the location.
For example, New York City, the largest city in the US, has a higher cost of living than smaller cities.
As shown in the table below, renting in the second or third most populated cities, Los Angeles and Chicago, is obviously cheaper.
Prices also differ based on the location relative to the city center, with NYC displaying the greatest variation between urban and suburban offerings.
United States
Sources:
New York - Numbeo.
Los Angeles - Numbeo.
Chicago - Numbeo.
Food
Food costs in the US are 2–3 times higher than in LatAm. The daily spend for the recommended minimum amount of food per person is around USD 12.78, which amounts to a monthly recommended minimum of around USD 396.10. Of course, this will vary some depending on location in the US.
Healthcare
The medical costs are incredibly high, with an estimated three-day stay at the hospital costing approximately 30,000 USD.
The US is the only developed country without a universal healthcare system. Thus, access to public healthcare is not free. However, the government provides some public insurance options for seniors and low-income individuals through the Medicare and Medicaid programs, which cover most medical expenses.
Because not everyone has access to these public programs, many people have to pay for private health insurance. It is estimated that around 60% of Americans pay for some kind of private health insurance. These plans can be paid for by the individuals themselves or sponsored by an employer.
The costs for individual health care plans vary greatly. However, on average, they can be anywhere from USD 400 to 800, depending on location and the type of coverage.
Taxes
When it comes to taxes, it is important to note that the US tax system is complex and varies depending on many factors, such as income level, state of residence, and type of business.
The corporate income tax (CIT) rate is 21% at the federal level, with additional state taxes ranging from 1% to 12% depending on the state (which are deductible from the federal CIT).
The personal income tax rate is 37%, and the individual capital gains tax is 20%. Unlike some LatAm countries, there is no standard value-added tax (VAT) or net worth/wealth tax of any kind.
Argentina
Argentina is known for its rich culture, history, and diverse landscapes. It is also known for its resilience in the face of a fluctuating economy, headlined by the unstable valuation of the Argentine peso.
Despite its economic troubles, Argentina has an immense entrepreneurial spirit, making the country home to more than ten unicorns, second in the region only to Brazil.
Economic Snapshot:
Housing
The cost of housing in Argentina varies depending on the location, with Buenos Aires, the highest-populated city, having the highest cost of living.
Cities located in the interior of the country have lower housing costs. In line with this, living in the second or third most populated cities, Cordoba and Rosario, can be much cheaper. Prices also differ based on the location relative to the city center.
Argentina
Sources:
Buenos Aires - Numbeo.
Cordoba - Numbeo.
Rosario - Numbeo.
Food
The cost of food in Argentina is relatively affordable. Based on a Western diet and the daily recommended minimum amount of calories and nutrients, the cost of food per person in Argentina is USD 7.89 per day or USD 244.63 per month.
Healthcare
Argentina offers both public and private healthcare options. The public healthcare system provides free hospital, medical, dental, and palliative care. It also offers free rehab, medical transport, and prosthetics.
However, waiting lists for public healthcare can be long, which is why many Argentines opt for private health insurance.
In major cities such as Buenos Aires, La Plata, Rosario, Mendoza, Cordoba, and Salta, private healthcare options provide excellent professional care and facilities at a reasonable price, with the most basic plans starting at USD 50 per month.
Taxes
In Argentina, the CIT rate is 35%, and it’s paid in monthly installments. The personal income tax rate is 35%, which is paid in mid-June, following the return filing due date. Meanwhile, the net wealth/worth tax rate is 0.50% to 1.75% for all assets held in Argentina and 0.7% to 2.25% for assets held abroad. The standard VAT rate is 21%.
Brazil
Brazil is the fifth most populous country in the world and the largest country in South America.
Brazil also has the highest GDP in LatAm, making it a major player in the global economy. It is home to a large number of multinational corporations and is a popular destination for tourists and business travelers alike.
Economic Snapshot:
Housing
Similar to its southern neighbor, the cost of housing in Brazil can vary depending on the location and type of accommodation.
São Paulo, the largest city in Brazil, has the highest rent prices in the nation. Apartments in Rio de Janeiro and Salvador, the second and third largest cities, respectively, tend to cost much less.
Brazil
Sources:
São Paulo - Numbeo.
Rio de Janeiro - Numbeo.
Salvador - Numbeo.
Food
When it comes to food, Brazil offers a variety of options for its residents and visitors. The average minimum cost for a balanced diet per person per day is USD 5.96. As such, each person spends an average of USD 184.62 monthly on food.
Healthcare
Brazil also offers both public and private healthcare options for its residents. The public healthcare system, the SUS, offers universal health coverage and many free services, such as preventive, primary, and maternity care.
Nonetheless, public hospitals may be overcrowded and lack the infrastructure and conditions of private hospitals. Private healthcare options are usually offered through employer-provided employee benefits programs. The average cost of medical insurance for the most basic individual plans hovers around USD 55.
Taxes
When it comes to taxes, Brazil has a varied array. The overall CIT rate is 34%, composed of their corporate income tax, IRPJ, at the rate of 25% and their social contribution on net income, CSLL, at the rate of 9%.
The personal income tax rate is 27.5%, and the standard VAT rate is 18%. Federal VATs (PIS/COFINS) have a combined rate of 3.65% (cumulative) or 9.25% (non-cumulative). Meanwhile, state VAT (ICMS) ranges from 17% to 20% (lower rates apply to inter-state transactions, varying between 4%, 7%, and 12%).
The municipal service tax (ISS) ranges from 2% to 5% (cumulative).
Colombia
Colombia, located in the northwest corner of South America, is renowned for its lush rainforests, vibrant cities, and diverse wildlife.
In spite of its reputation for political instability and security issues, Colombia has been making significant strides in recent years to improve its economy and infrastructure.
The country’s efforts to attract foreign investment and encourage entrepreneurship have led to a growing number of successful businesses and a thriving startup scene. Additionally, Colombia’s diverse population and growing middle class have made it a popular destination for international companies looking to expand their operations in the region.
Economic Snapshot:
Housing
In Colombia, rent prices don’t differ much from city to city. Like in most of the cities in the region, in Bogotá and Medellín, the largest and second largest Colombian cities, respectively, suburban apartments are much cheaper than those in the city center.
However, Barranquilla is an exception. Rent for centrally-located apartments is cheaper than rent for apartments outside the city center.
Colombia
Sources:
Bogotá - Numbeo.
Medellin - Numbeo.
Barranquilla - Numbeo.
Food
The daily food budget for a basic diet is approximately USD 6.44, which amounts to USD 199.52 per person per month.
Healthcare
Colombia has both public and private healthcare options. Unlike its South American neighbors, access to public health is not 100%.
Under the public insurance system, called EPS, the co-pay rates range from USD 1 to 11.15, depending on income. Out-of-pocket costs for a doctor’s appointment without any insurance in the public sector could amount to USD 50 per visit.
In private health facilities, patients can access services with shorter wait times and direct access to specialists. The cost of health insurance plans to access these facilities range from USD 55 to 90 per month.
Taxes
The CIT rate in Colombia is 35%, which is paid between April and May in two or three installments (depending on the amount owed). The personal income tax rate is 39%, which is due between August and October, depending on the worker’s tax ID. Meanwhile, the standard VAT rate is 19%.
Unlike some of its neighbors, individuals don’t have to pay any net worth or wealth tax.
Mexico
Mexico is a vibrant and culturally rich country. It is the 11th largest economy in the world and has a growing workforce of over 58 million people.
Despite its large population, Mexico still faces challenges like income inequality and low wages in certain sectors.
Regardless of these challenges, Mexico has a thriving job market with many opportunities for professionals in various fields.
Although the cost of living in cities like Mexico City, Monterrey, and Guadalajara is relatively higher than in the rest of LatAm, the average salary in Mexico is still low compared to the US. As such, many qualified professionals seek remote international opportunities to earn a comfortable living.
Economic Snapshot:
Housing
Out of the countries we explored in this guide, Mexico has the highest rent prices in the LatAm region.
Like its southern neighbors, the costs increase the bigger the city, with Mexico City having the highest rent in the country. There is also a big variation in prices when comparing urban to suburban options.
Mexico
Sources:
Mexico City - Numbeo.
Monterrey - Numbeo.
Guadalajara - Numbeo.
Food
Similar to rent, Mexico has the most expensive food in LatAm. A person needs to spend around USD 9.13 on food to cover the daily nutritional requirements. Thus, the minimum monthly amount spent on food per person is USD 283.16.
Healthcare
Mexico has a mixture of public, private, and employer-funded healthcare systems. Depending on which program someone is enrolled in, the employer-sponsored IMSS or the Seguro Popular for those on low incomes or pre-existing conditions, the medical care may be free or at a low cost.
For those who do need to pay, the costs vary based on various factors (e.g., medical institution or type of specialist). For example, an emergency room visit can cost between USD 15 and USD 25, and a doctor’s consultation will cost around USD 18. The average cost of private healthcare per month is USD 142, with an annual deductible of approximately USD 5,000.
Taxes
In Mexico, the CIT rate is 30%, and the personal income tax rate for residents is graduated at progressive rates up to 35%. For non-residents, it varies depending on the type of income, with salaries being taxed at progressive rates up to 30%. The standard VAT rate is 16%.
Peru
Peru offers a relatively low cost of living compared to other countries in the region. With a diverse culture and rich history, it has become a popular destination for those seeking new business opportunities.
Despite being one of the fastest-growing economies in LatAm, the cost of living remains low, making it an attractive option for those looking to hire talent based in Peru.
With a well-developed infrastructure, access to natural resources, and a growing middle class, Peru offers a stable and growing business market.
Economic Snapshot:
Housing
In Peru, the housing market offers a diverse range of options for potential renters. The three largest cities in Peru are Lima, Arequipa, and Trujillo, each offering unique features and attractions.
The housing market in these cities varies in terms of availability, location, and cost, making for a varied cost of living across the nation.
Peru
Sources:
Lima - Numbeo.
Arequipa - Numbeo.
Trujillo - Numbeo.
Food
The cost of food in Peru can vary greatly depending on personal preferences and dietary restrictions. However, a daily recommended minimum amount to budget for food in Peru is approximately USD 4.84. This translates to a monthly recommended minimum of around USD 150.12.
Healthcare
Peru offers both public and private healthcare options. Public healthcare is provided by the Ministry of Health (MINSA) and EsSalud, which is obtained through employment. MINSA serves uninsured people and impoverished citizens in rural and urban areas. Meanwhile, EsSalud collects a 9% employer contribution to cover the employed population and their families.
As in most LatAm nations, public healthcare has long waiting times, and private healthcare is preferred by those who can afford it.
Private healthcare provides good standards, and larger cities have multiple private health clinics. Depending on what the private health insurance policy covers, the prices range from USD 26 to 180 per month.
Taxes
In Peru, the corporate sector is subject to a tax rate of 29.5% on their income. Individuals have a personal income tax rate of 30%. The standard VAT rate in the country is set at 18%.
Conclusion
The cost of living in LatAm is clearly below the average in the US, meaning the salary expectations of even the top-tier LatAm talent will be below their US-based peers. This allows you to offer a very fair and even generous salary that will compensate your LatAm remote workers for their skill and experience level while still allowing you to make cost savings. It’s truly a win-win situation.
The salary ranges in this guide will give you a starting point to base your compensation offers on, keeping in mind that what the candidate will consider an attractive salary will depend on their location and skill and experience level.
This clear cost savings, coupled with the fact that LatAm offers a pool of highly skilled professionals, means there is a growing demand for remote workers from LatAm. This presents a unique opportunity for businesses looking to expand their reach, tap into a diverse talent pool, and increase their competitiveness.
For example, we have helped Delve and Cyberfortress each save USD 500k a year by filling ten positions in marketing and data and eight managerial and finance positions, respectively.
If you're ready to explore hiring in Latin America, Near can help you find, vet, and hire experienced professionals who can strengthen your team. We handle the entire process from sourcing to onboarding to ongoing support.
Schedule a complimentary remote recruiting consultation to learn more about how you can achieve your business goals faster by leveraging nearshore outsourcing.
Near: Connecting US businesses with top Latin American talent.
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