How to Find and Hire Software Developers in Argentina

Argentina is located between the South Atlantic Ocean and the Andes Mountains. Despite being the second-largest country on the continent, it has established itself as a hub for software developers. Its tech industry is home to hundreds of thousands of English—and Spanish-speaking IT professionals. The Argentine tech sector is also worth billions of dollars in IT exports. According to Statista, the Argentina IT service market generated a revenue of $2.91 billion in 2023. 

However, identifying and hiring software developers in Argentina is quite complex. Without proper insight, you’ll spend several hours searching through hundreds of alternatives to find the best fit for your team without getting any results. 

Why Should You Hire Software Developers in Argentina for Software Development?

The talent pool of developers in Argentina has grown because of various factors including education, proximity to the US (Silicon Valley), and a budding ecosystem of start-ups. The software developers Argentina produces are a product of these factors and when compared with other developers from the region, they stand out. When combined with a solid grasp of the English language and a relatively lower cost of hiring, the advantages of hiring Argentinian developers are obvious. There are currently over 100,000 developers active in the country right now. Their areas of concentration are estimated into the following categories:

What are the Competitive Cost Benefits of Hiring Software Developers in Argentina?

When you hire developers in Argentina, cost benefits accumulate. Compared to developers in Europe, the US, or other parts of Nothern and South America, developers from Argentina are cheaper. The average cost of hiring a developer in the US is between $100,000 to $200,000 ( 2,598,528.59 ARS) compared to $50,000 (1,462,145.45 ARS) which is the base salary for most developers in Argentina depending on the seniority level. 

Another competitive advantage that adds to the price is the time zone difference. Most tech hubs around the world are between 2 to 4 hours different which means there is plenty overlap in work hours. Therefore, companies from outside Argentina can work within the work hours of most countries around the world.

What Makes Argentina the Ideal Tech Environment for Hiring Software Developers?

Another reason to hire software developers from this region is its robust tech landscape. The tech ecosystem in this region is growing exponentially compared to other Latin American Countries. A 2019 Global Competitiveness Survey which shows how effectively citizens utilize their country’s resources revealed that Argentina is ranked 51st out of 116 countries. Argentinian software has grown in leaps and bounds and this is due to the deliberate efforts made by various stakeholders within the ecosystem. Government policies and initiatives are geared towards creating an enabling environment for developers to thrive. Through these policies, the growth of software developers is prioritized which allows them to remain competitive. 

The presence of start-ups and the inflow of investments have also contributed to the development of software talent in Argentina. This confluence of talent, investment, and deliberate government intervention makes Argentina the ideal environment to hire software developers. Therefore, there are many software developers in the region because they have learned how to leverage Argentina’s enabling environment. Out of 18 million people in the country’s labor market, about 2.4 million are employed in the tech sector. This has fueled the growing start-up culture in the country. 

How does the Argentinian Education Produce Top Software Developers?

Furthermore, many tech companies are also interested in hiring from Argentina because of the high-quality education in the region. This country ranks 77th on the Global Innovation Index and its educational sector focuses on science and technology fields such as medicine, biotechnology, nuclear physics, rocket technology, and biotechnology. 

Due to the region’s focus on STEM education, Argentina’s educated workforce is skilled in the latest programming languages and techniques. Argentine software developers are renowned for their expertise in Java, UX Design, JavaScript, Python, SQL, and TensorFlow. 

The top universities in Argentina, such as the University of Buenos Aires and the National University of La Plata, also offer specialized programs such as software development, software programming, and software database management. They also rank among the top 20 universities in Latin America.

You’ll also discover trained developers with extensive knowledge of Artificial Intelligence (AI),  blockchain technology, and mobile developments. These experts constantly update their knowledge to match global trends and discoveries. 

How Proficient and Fluent are Argentinian Software Developers in English?

While Spanish is the predominant language in the country, English proficiency is a strong area for developers from Argentina. According to a survey, Argentina has the most English-proficient people in South America. This is the same for developers as they can communicate effectively with other members of their teams from outside the country. This factor is very important for companies, business owners, and start-ups who want to hire software developers in Argentina. This language proficiency ensures that US-based tech companies don’t have to spend money to train non-English speakers and allows these IT professionals to communicate seamlessly with their employers. 

What Technical Skills and Expertise do Argentinian Software Developers Possess?

As mentioned, Argentina has a robust tech ecosystem with constant innovation and endless dynamism. It’s the third-largest tech sector in Latin America because of how big Argentina is and is worth billions of dollars. The other two countries above it in this ranking are Brazil and Mexico. Due to its favorable laws, this country is considered one of the best places to start a tech company. 

If you choose to hire a software developer in Argentina, you’ll have access to a talent pool of over 100,000 professionals, of which 52,000 specialize in C++ while another 51,000 people are skilled at C#. There are about 10,000 professionals skilled in frontend and Javascript. However, other tech experts in the region capable of handling Argentina’s software developers are also ranked 4th best technological skills in Latin America and the 30th best globally. Furthermore, Argentina’s IT talent is 7th in the IMD World Digital Competitiveness ranking. They are also ranked 6th in the Global Innovation Index 2023. 

The solid global ranking of Argentina’s software developers indicates the region’s impressive business sophistication, human capital, and research. Argentina’s IT talent pool can be divided into different categories: software developers, software engineers, UI/UX designers, project managers, and data scientists. Furthermore, Argentina has several science and engineering graduates, accounting for 14.15% of all tertiary graduates. 

Argentinian developers are skilled in various frameworks and tech expertise. You have developers who specialize in C++ and C# which they use for video game development, website building, and other tasks. There are also Java Script, Python, and other technologies. Dev Ops engineers are also common as they help connect the bridge between developers and operations within the company. The skill level of Argentinian developers ranges from junior to senior-level talent in all the listed technologies.

What are the Pros and Cons of Hiring Software Developers in Argentina?

So, what are the benefits and drawbacks of hiring Argentine software developers? Here are some of the best benefits and the most significant drawbacks you will experience when you hire developers in Argentina.

Pros

• Argentina has a great pool of talent. It’s been established earlier that hundreds of thousands of software developers are in the country. You’ll find at least 5 big cities that serve as tech hubs to connect with top-tier talent. The abundance of talent in the country increases the possibility of finding the right fit for your team. 

• Argentina has an innovative tech ecosystem. Many cities and IT unions partner to introduce constant development to local developers. As a result, the IT professionals in this region are aware of global trends and the latest techniques.

• The region offers top-tier IT education to groom professionals. There are 59 universities in Argentina where people can train to be IT specialists. In 2019, Argentina ranked as the 29th country with the best education worldwide.

• Argentina also offers US-based tech companies a convenient time zone. Hence, it’s easier for these teams to set up and interact with their legal entity in the country and hire remote software development teams.

• Argentina software developers cost considerably less than their European and North American counterparts. The cost of hiring a US developer may be as high as 2.6 million ARS, while experts in Argentina charge 1.5 million ARS. You’ll save significantly regardless of the skill level or programming language required.

• This region also has several fluent English-speaking software developers compared to other LATAM countries. Hence, these developers will integrate seamlessly into a new work environment while employers can avoid language training fees.

• Argentina software developers enjoy plenty of government support because it’s the country’s most lucrative sector. By incorporating the Entrepreneurs Law, many foreign companies are encouraged to register an Entity in the region. Even better, new companies will receive a 75% tax reduction if they join the tech sector.

Cons

• While Argentina’s time zone may be attractive to US-based tech companies, this isn’t the case for those in Europe. As a result, most European employers must purchase modern time-tracking to ease the time difference. Not all employers want the extra hassle of tracking a distant time zone while staying up to date with other aspects of the business.

• Argentina has several public and cultural holidays that foreign employers must provide for. These extra days off work interrupt the flow of work and may potentially cause misunderstandings and delays, especially when several projects are at hand.

What are the Best Ways to Efficiently Hire Software Developers in Argentina?

There are many ways to hire software developers in Argentina. You can go through freelance platforms or employer of record services to get information about developers and hire them. One of the best methods of hiring developers in Argentina is through recruitment agencies. These agencies take all your requirements and screen all possible candidates till they find a match. This streamlines the process and places the best candidates in front of you. Here are more details on each of the processes you can use:

Hiring Them Yourself

If you’ve established a legal entity in Argentina, you can hire them yourself. Your in-house team will create detailed job descriptions, publish your job post online, and sift through candidates who apply. After compiling a shortlist of possible candidates, the next thing to do is conduct interviews for each. 

The interview process typically involves assessing why any shortlisted alternatives are the best fit. After identifying the best candidate and sending them an offer, the next thing to do is onboard them. On average, the entire recruitment process lasts many weeks depending on how quickly you’re able to find a suitable fit for your tech team. 

Engaging Freelance Experts

Another impressive alternative to hiring software developers in Argentina is to engage freelance experts. The best thing about freelance experts is that you can simply outsource your work without adding them to your workforce. All you have to do is identify a reliable freelance website, post your job requirements, and sift through different alternatives. Some of the best freelance websites to hire a software developer include:

• Upwork
• Fiverr
• Freelancer
• Lemon
• Codeable
• PeoplePerHour
• Toptal
• Upstack

Independent contractors are a cost-effective alternative to hiring skilled freelance software developers for your organization. It has become a popular hiring solution since COVID-19 forced companies to seek temporary remote solutions. This option allows you to employ the best hands to work on your project without any long-term obligations. 

Read more: Independent Contractors in Argentina

Leveraging Recruitment Agencies

The next best alternative to hiring a software developer in this region is to partner with a recruitment agency. All you have to do is let the service provider know the type and experience level of software developers you wish to hire. Top-tier recruitment agencies can help you recruit, interview, and onboard employees. They can also recommend the best EOR to help you access a pool of talented software developers.  

Globy is a reliable recruitment agency that focuses on connecting US companies with the best talent. As one of the top global hiring services, this platform will help you navigate complex labor laws, pay employees, equip them, and distribute rewards when due. 

Collaborating With Employer of Records

Tech companies without legal entities may work with an Employer of Record (EOR). These EORs can serve as your legal entity. The main benefit of collaborating with an Employer of Record is that they’ll ensure you comply with Argentina’s labor laws by helping you handle processes like payroll and tax reporting. 

Read more: Employer of Record in Argentina

Salary Trends for Software Developers in Argentina

Before hiring Argentine software developers to join your team, it’s crucial to consider how much it would cost your company. The cost of software development in Argentina depends on the experience level, the programming language used, and the aspect of software development you wish to focus on. The average cost of hiring a software developer in Argentina is 1,462,145.45 ARS. The following table displays a breakdown of how much it costs to hire software developers in Buenos Aires based on their experience level: 

Outside the classification of salary scales based on seniority, the salary scale further differs within cities in Argentina. Different factors contribute to this difference including proximity to the city and closeness to tech hubs. Here is a table showing the estimated salary ranges for developers in different cities in Argentina.

Navigating Argentina’s Software Development Market

Argentina’s tech ecosystem is filled with startups, tech companies, and professionals supported by favorable laws and tech initiatives. Here’s a list of the laws you need to know when navigating the IT sector in Argentina and what they offer the tech sector: 

• Argentina Programa: This tech sector initiative comprises two stages known as #YoProgramo and #SeProgramar. This initiative is designed to train and develop software development skills in young professionals with scholarships and stipends for internet connectivity.

• Red Argentina: This initiative is a network of software development companies that connect to provide exclusive IT solutions. They interact to ensure local developers stay on top of global trends.

• Programa Aceleradoras Buenos Aires Emprende: This government initiative has invested a total of 28 million ARS in local business owners.

• Entrepreneurs’ Law: This law reduces the time and cost of registering a business in this region. Since it was introduced, new business owners can register their brand in a single day. This law also offers startups a 75% tax deduction.

• Teleworking Law: This new law ensures IT professionals can work from home and enjoy several incentives. It is attractive for US-based tech companies wishing to hire remote regional employees. 

The growth of the Argentinian software market cannot be understated. It is projected to grow at a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 1.77% from 2024 to 2029. The current value of the software market in Argentina is $898 million which is expected to grow to $981 million. 

This rapid growth can be attributed to many factors including favorable government policies which have made it easier for companies to set up shop and hire software developers. In addition, the increased penetration of smartphones and the internet brings a larger user base to the software industry. 

What Are the Key Tech Hubs in Argentina? 

Argentina’s government has incorporated several initiatives that make several parts of the country more accessible to tech startups. These locations are often known as tech hubs. Many tech companies visit Argentina to recruit because of the country’s key tech hubs. They believe that leveraging the laws and initiatives in this region offers them access to the best talent and optimizes their growth potential. These are Argentina’s most prominent tech hubs:

Why is Buenos Aires a Top Tech Hub in Argentina?

Buenos Aires and its 15 million citizens are the largest tech community in the region. It accounts for 85% of Argentina’s tech community and is the top exporter of software developers. AreaTres is an entrepreneurship organization that has created an elaborate working space for the Latin tech sector, comprising over 65 companies. A recent agreement between AreaTres and Google for Entrepreneurs means that this company is now the largest innovator in the jurisdiction. Other major tech entrepreneurs in the region include NXTP Labs, Startup Buenos Aires, and Wayra. 

What Makes Cordoba an Emerging Tech Hub in Argentina?

Cordoba is renowned for its high-quality education and numerous startups, tech entrepreneurs, and accelerators. The Cordoba National University has a student population of around 130,000. It’s crucial to note that Cordoba tech entrepreneurs get unrestricted access to funding and updated information. This region also constantly encourages new initiatives for expansion and research. 

Hence, the region boasts over 400 tech companies and 126 startups, including Wibond, Xcapit, and Mobbed. Incutex is the largest tech accelerator in the region and has provided capital funding and mentorship to numerous tech entrepreneurs. 

What Makes Mendoza Stand Out as a Tech City

While Mendoza is known for producing high-quality wine, it has several tech startups and entrepreneurs. In 2016, Mendoza expressed interest in facilitating and funding new businesses. Consejo Consultivo Emprendror (CCE) is a government initiative supporting the region’s innovation and entrepreneurship. This initiative has offered tech, environmental, and high-social startups with capital funding.

What You Need to Know to Hire an Argentinian Developer In-House

Here’s a list of all the crucial details you need to know to onboard an Argentinian software developer: 

• Taxes: Argentine employer payroll contributions range between 26.91% and 29.91% and often cover payments for employee statutory benefits.

• Employee benefits: While employee benefits are solely dependent on the available resources, software developers are entitled to statutory benefits such as pension, health insurance, life insurance, labor risk insurance, equipment provision, and death benefits.

• Termination: Argentine employers can’t terminate employees without cause. However, common causes for termination include misconduct, poor work performance, economic factors, and mutual agreement. However, you should note that the termination notice period depends on the duration of employee service. Employees with less than 5 years of service are terminated with a 15-day notice period, while those with more than 5 years get a 30-day notice.

• Leaves: Aside from public holidays, Argentine software developers are entitled to 14 days of annual leave.

Further reading: Hiring Remote Employees in Argentina

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Article author

Vit Koval

Co-founder at Globy

A top Global Hiring voice on LinkedIn, co-founder of Globy, and host of Default Global. Using deep expertise in global hiring, remote work, and global business expansion to help companies excel worldwide with innovative strategies.