For organizations looking to realize the full potential of cloud technology, hiring AWS developers is a critical decision. Whether you're based in North America, choosing the right location to hire talent can make all the difference. In this comparison, we explore two standout cities for hiring AWS developers: Rio de Janeiro and Bogota. Both cities offer unique advantages, from cost-effective solutions to access to top talent.
In this blog, we'll break down key factors like cost, time zones, talent pools, and more so you can make an informed decision for your next cloud project.
How an AWS Developer benefits your business
An AWS Developer specializes in building and managing applications and services that run on Amazon Web Services (AWS), the leading cloud computing platform. They master cloud-based architecture and leverage AWS services such as EC2, S3, Lambda, and RDS to build scalable, secure, and high-performance applications. They also ensure that the cloud infrastructure is optimized, cost-effective, and able to handle traffic spikes or increased demand without compromising performance.
AWS developers can streamline processes such as cloud migration, automation, and infrastructure management to make operations more efficient and cost-effective. With their expertise, they can accelerate project timelines by building robust systems that handle everything from data storage to application hosting. Ultimately, AWS developers enable organizations to reduce operational costs and focus on core business objectives.
Hire AWS Developers in Rio de Janeiro vs Bogota
Cost of Hiring AWS Developers
When hiring developers specialized in AWS (Amazon Web Services), cost is one of the main factors to consider, especially when scaling cloud projects or implementing serverless architectures.
Rio de Janeiro: In Rio de Janeiro, hiring cloud engineers with experience in AWS, CI/CD pipeline implementation, and infrastructure-as-code (IaC) management can cost between $3,750 and $6,250 per month.
Bogota: The cost of hiring an AWS developer in Bogota tends to be more competitive. Professionals in this city also have expertise in services such as S3, RDS, and Elastic Beanstalk, with an average cost of $3,125 to $5,625 per month.
Learn more about the importance of transparency for clients and developers.
Time Zone Differences
When hiring AWS developers from different regions, understanding time zone differences is critical for smooth communication and project management.
Rio de Janeiro: Rio operates on Brasilia time, which is typically 1 hour ahead of Miami (Eastern Standard Time, GMT -5) and 4 hours ahead of San Francisco (Pacific Standard Time, GMT -8). If you are working with developers in Rio de Janeiro, there will be a slight overlap in working hours with Miami (1 hour ahead).
Bogota: Bogota is on Colombian time, which is exactly the same as Miami during Eastern Standard Time (EST), but still 3 hours ahead of San Francisco during Pacific Standard Time (PST). Bogota's time zone is more closely aligned with Miami's, making it easier to collaborate in real time, especially if you are located on the East Coast of the United States.
Learn more about why time zone overlap matters for LATAM outsourcing.
Talent Pool
Both Rio de Janeiro and Bogota have well-established technology ecosystems, but there are differences in breadth, diversity, and technical specialization, especially when it comes to developers with AWS experience.
Rio de Janeiro: Home to the Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), one of Latin America's most prestigious institutions, the city is a major contributor to the development of cloud talent. Across Brazil, it is estimated that more than 630,000 professionals work in the IT services sector, with approximately 133,000 focused on software development, many with expertise in cloud environments, infrastructure automation and serverless architectures.
Bogota: Colombia's capital has established itself as a fast-growing technology hub. It is home to approximately 62% of the country's technology companies and produces more than 15,000 technology graduates each year. This ecosystem fosters a solid supply of talent specializing in cloud services, DevOps, and cloud-native development, including professionals certified in AWS with experience in scalable and secure solutions.
English level
Language can play a big role in hiring developers, especially when looking for someone who will work closely with the team.
Rio de Janeiro: Since Portuguese is the primary language in Brazil, you are likely to find developers who are not fluent in English. According to EF's English Proficiency Index, Rio de Janeiro has an English proficiency score of 500. This could create potential communication barriers, especially for teams that require a high level of fluency.
Bogota: In Bogotá, Spanish is the first language, but most developers are bilingual, with English as a second language. This gives Bogotá a slight advantage when it comes to working with English-speaking teams. The EF English Proficiency Index ranks Bogota at 513, indicating a higher level of English proficiency than Rio.
Cultural Fit and Working Style
Another important consideration if you want to hire AWS developers is cultural fit. While Brazil and Colombia are geographically close, their cultures can be quite different, especially when it comes to business.
Rio de Janeiro: In Rio de Janeiro, the work culture tends to be more relaxed and informal. There’s a strong emphasis on creativity and collaboration, which makes it a great environment for innovation, but it can sometimes lead to less structured work processes.
Bogota: In Bogota, the culture is often a bit more formal and structured. Developers in Bogota tend to be very focused on deadlines and deliverables, which can make the development process run a bit smoother.
Learn more about nearshore staff augmentation to scale your team with agility.
Why hire AWS developers with Teilur Talent?
At Teilur Talent, we offer a clear and fair pricing model. We never charge more than 20% of the developer's salary, which means you can hire highly qualified AWS developers without hidden commissions. Our payment system is also flexible. You can pay monthly via ACH or even Ethereum, depending on what works best for your business. Plus, there are no minimum commitments or Master Service Agreements (MSAs) required to get started.
But what really sets Teilur Talent apart is our thorough screening process. We don't just match you with any developer, we make sure that the developers we provide match your company's goals and vision. This means you get a team member who is not only technically skilled but also committed to understanding and integrating with your business. Our developers become an extension of your team, ensuring continuity and seamless collaboration across all your AWS projects.
Learn more about how Teilur Talent's pricing is disrupting the recruiting industry with transparency.
FAQ
Why do startups need AWS?
Startups need AWS because it offers scalable cloud solutions that allow businesses to grow without the upfront costs of physical infrastructure. AWS provides secure and reliable services that are perfect for startups needing flexibility.
What does an AWS developer do?
An AWS developer is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining applications that use Amazon Web Services (AWS). They work on cloud infrastructure, deployment, and other essential components of a cloud-based business.
Which AWS services help companies build faster?
AWS offers services like EC2 for flexible computing, Lambda for serverless execution, and S3 for scalable storage. These tools help companies accelerate development, reduce infrastructure management, and scale efficiently.
What does AWS do for business?
AWS helps businesses by providing scalable cloud infrastructure that improves operational efficiency, reduces costs, and allows businesses to scale up or down based on demand.
Conclusion
The choice between Rio de Janeiro and Bogota to hire AWS developers ultimately depends on a number of factors, from cost and time zone alignment to talent availability. Rio de Janeiro offers a larger talent pool and the advantage of a slightly higher level of experience. Bogota, with its growing tech community and proximity to U.S. Eastern Time offers a more affordable and flexible option for many companies seeking high-level developers.
Both cities offer unique advantages that make them strong contenders for your AWS development needs. Regardless of which city you choose, partnering with a trusted company like Teilur Talent will ensure that you find developers who not only have the technical skills but also understand and align with your business vision. 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.
