Are you thinking about hiring C developers for your next big project? Whether you're building embedded systems, performance-critical applications, or back-end tools, having the right C developer on your team can make all the difference. Santiago, Chile, and São Paulo, Brazil, stand out as key tech hubs in Latin America, each offering distinct advantages for hiring top talent.
In this blog, we’ll compare both cities to help you determine which one aligns better with your hiring needs. From talent availability to cost and industry expertise, we’ll break down the key factors so you can make an informed decision.
Benefits of C Developers for Hire
C is one of the oldest and most trusted programming languages in the world, and surprisingly, it is still among the most widely used globally, ranking number 10 in popularity. The language has been the basis for many others such as C++, C#, and Java, and is widely used in operating systems, embedded software, hardware drivers, and applications that require high performance.
Hiring a C developer brings many advantages; they are highly skilled in working with low-level technologies such as microcontrollers, real-time systems (RTOS), and tools such as GCC, Make, GDB, and platforms such as Linux. In addition, they are experts in resource optimization, precise memory management and writing code that really flies.
Having a good C developer on your team not only ensures fast and reliable software but also someone capable of identifying complex bugs, low-level debugging, and building systems from scratch. They are professionals who understand how hardware works, and who can translate that understanding into powerful technology solutions. So if you're building something that needs real performance, stability, and efficiency, investing in a C developer isn't just advisable-it's strategic.
Read the complete guide to learn more about hiring Latin American developers.
C Developers for Hire in Santiago vs São Paulo
When looking for C developers for hire, choosing the right city can significantly impact costs, talent availability, time zone compatibility, and other key factors. The following radar chart compares Santiago and São Paulo across five essential aspects, providing a clear visual representation of their strengths and differences.
Next, we will explore in detail the five factors evaluated in the chart: cost of hiring, time zone differences, talent pool, language barriers, and cultural differences.
Cost of Hiring C Developers
One of the first factors you’ll likely consider when hiring C developers for hire is the cost. It’s no secret that the cost of living in Santiago is significantly higher compared to São Paulo. This can directly impact the rates you pay for C developers for hire.
Santiago: A technology hub and innovator, Santiago offers highly skilled talent in embedded systems programming, low-level software development, and memory-efficient code optimization. Costs range from $3,125 USD for a mid-level developer to $5,625 USD for a senior developer, depending on experience in dynamic memory management, concurrent programming, and use of compilers such as GCC or Clang.
São Paulo: There is a wide range of C programmers specializing in kernel development, drivers and high performance applications. The cost of hiring a mid-level developer starts at $3,750 USD, while a senior developer with experience in data structure optimization and low-level hardware access can go up to $6,250 USD.
Learn more about how Teilur Talent disrupts pricing with transparency in recruiting.
Time Zone Differences
When hiring C developers, the time zone difference is an essential consideration, especially for real-time collaboration.
Santiago: It is usually 1 hour ahead of Miami, when it is 9:00 a.m. in Miami, it is 10:00 a.m. in Santiago. The city is 4 hours ahead of San Francisco. For example, when it is 8:00 a.m. in San Francisco, it is 12:00 p.m. in Santiago.
São Paulo: It is generally 2 hours ahead of Miami. When it is 10:00 a.m. in Miami, it is 11:00 a.m. in São Paulo. This slight time difference facilitates coordination and allows for smooth communication during most of the workday. São Paulo is 4 hours ahead of San Francisco. For example, when in San Francisco it is 9:00 a.m., in São Paulo it is 1:00 p.m.
Talent pool
Both Santiago and São Paulo have highly skilled C engineers, but there are differences in the type of technical expertise and specialization found in each region.
Santiago: As Chile's main technology hub, Santiago is home to prestigious academic institutions such as the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, ranked 121st in the QS World University Rankings. Its focus on software engineering, high-performance computing, and embedded systems development has produced highly specialized talent in dynamic memory management, operating system and compiler development, and efficient assembly language and low-level C programming.
São Paulo: Founded in 1934, the University of São Paulo (USP) is Brazil's largest higher education institution and a leader in research in distributed systems, algorithm optimization, and cybersecurity. USP is a center of excellence in computer architecture, concurrent programming, and hardware driver development in C. Its contribution to the advancement of embedded systems in the automotive industry, telecommunications, and IoT devices has positioned São Paulo as a key ecosystem for low-level software innovation.
Language Barriers
English level can be a factor when hiring C developers in Santiago or São Paulo, especially when clear communication is key to the successful execution of a project.
Santiago: Chile ranks 47th on EF's English Proficiency Index, and Santiago in particular scores 552, placing it in the "moderate proficiency" category. Although English is not a native language, many developers, especially in the technology sector, are proficient in it. Communication with English-speaking teams is generally fluent, and developers are often well prepared for international collaboration.
São Paulo: Brazil ranks lower in the same index, at 81st, with São Paulo scoring 501. Developers working with international clients tend to have good English skills, but occasional language barriers may arise. Working with qualified staff and clear onboarding processes can minimize misunderstandings and keep projects on track.
Cultural Differences
Understanding cultural differences can make your collaboration with remote developers much smoother.
Santiago: The work culture in Santiago is highly fast-paced, driven by constant innovation. Developers here are used to working under tight deadlines and thrive in dynamic, fast-moving environments.
São Paulo: In São Paulo, the work culture tends to be slightly more relaxed, though still professional. Brazilian developers often take a more collaborative approach to problem-solving, which can result in creative solutions.
Want to learn more about hiring strategies? Read about staff augmentation services.
Our thoughts on the pricing structure of Toptal
While it's not possible for us to find details about how much of what a client pays ultimately goes to a candidate, we believe clients looking for transparent and straightforward pricing may want to look at other alternatives.
Our opinion is that if they are charging a client more than $12,000 monthly for a developer, they should at the very least be giving $9,600 to the candidate, but it's likely that it's even less than that.
What Hiring Managers Should Ask Before Choosing a Talent Partner
Before partnering with any talent provider — whether Toptal, Teilur, or others — hiring managers should consider asking the following key questions:
- What percentage of the fee actually goes to the talent?
- Are replacement or satisfaction guarantees included in the contract?
- How are regional salary benchmarks determined?
- Is there full transparency in how rates are broken down?
- What is the long-term cost difference between hiring directly and through a platform?
These questions can help businesses make informed decisions and ensure that pricing aligns with both market realities and ethical compensation practices.
FAQ
What do C developers do?
C developers are experts in the C programming language, and they build and maintain software applications, operating systems, and other essential systems that require high performance and low-level memory management.
How do I hire a developer?
To hire a C developer, you can search for professionals through networks specialized in technological talent, contact software development agencies or post vacancies on technical job portals.
How much does it cost to hire a C developer?
In Santiago, mid-level developers typically earn $3,125 per month, while senior developers can command rates of $5,625 per month. In São Paulo, the cost for a mid-level C developer ranges from $3,750, whereas a senior developer can earn up to $6,250 per month.
Why is a developer important to a company?
Developers are essential for creating and maintaining the software that drives your business. They bring technical expertise that ensures the systems work efficiently and can be scaled as the company grows.
Conclusion
Choosing between C developers for hire in San Jose and São Paulo ultimately comes down to your specific needs, budget, and how closely your teams need to collaborate in real-time. While San Jose offers proximity, native English speakers, and top-tier experience, São Paulo delivers exceptional talent at a fraction of the cost—without sacrificing quality. Both cities have strong pools of C developers, and with the right hiring partner, you can find the perfect fit for your team.
To help you make the best decision, use the calculator below to estimate your costs and potential savings. For more details and personalized advice, please contact us.
