Do you want to expand your technical team without dealing with time differences or excessive expenses? Consider hiring tech talent in Costa Rica. It may be the solution you're looking for. The country has become a hub for skilled developers who have solid experience, are proficient in English, and have a work ethic similar to that of teams in the United States. Additionally, Costa Rica's location allows your remote team to work during your business hours, facilitating smooth and efficient collaboration.
Costa Rica offers access to well-trained professionals who are familiar with the latest technological trends without the exorbitant salaries you'd pay in more expensive markets. If you want to build a reliable, talented, and cost-effective tech team that feels like an extension of your office, hiring tech talent in Costa Rica is a smart place to start.
Why Hire Tech Talent in Costa Rica?
One of the biggest advantages for companies hiring tech talent in Costa Rica is the time zone alignment. Costa Rica operates on Central Standard Time (CST), which is just one or two hours difference from many U.S. time zones. This makes it incredibly easy to collaborate in real time. Instead of waiting hours—or even a full day—for responses, you can have quick calls, brainstorms, or problem-solving sessions during your normal workday. That kind of seamless communication speeds up projects and cuts down misunderstandings, something you rarely get when working with teams halfway across the globe.
On top of that, remote talent in Costa Rica brings the flexibility and efficiency companies need today. You can build a team that feels like an in-house extension of your company without the overhead costs of office space or relocation. Plus, the professional culture and English proficiency in Costa Rica ensure your remote developers understand your business needs and deadlines clearly. When you hire tech talent in Costa Rica, you get high-quality work, responsive communication, and cost-effective solutions—all aligned to keep your project moving forward smoothly.
Learn more about hiring in San José, Costa Rica. A Complete Guide.
Hire Tech Talent in Costa Rica
Cost Advantages
One key advantage of hiring tech talent in Costa Rica is the significantly lower cost compared to the U.S. Salaries for full-time remote developers typically range from $2,500 to $6,500 USD per month depending on the role, skill set, and level of seniority. While these figures provide a general idea, actual costs may vary; senior engineers, DevOps specialists, and highly experienced developers may fall closer to the higher end of the spectrum. The low cost enables companies to expand their teams without compromising quality.
Talent Pool
Costa Rica has emerged as a major player in the Latin American tech industry, boasting a talent pool of over 45,000 technology professionals. The country’s commitment to education, especially in STEM fields, has laid a solid foundation for its tech workforce.
At the heart of this ecosystem is the University of Costa Rica, located in San José, which is ranked #27 in Latin America. Many developers and engineers graduate from this and other reputable institutions with degrees in computer science, software engineering, and related fields. Some professionals also pursue international programs, bringing global perspectives and practices to the table.
Another advantage of hiring tech talent in Costa Rica is the high level of English proficiency among tech professionals. Combined with cultural compatibility and a strong work ethic, Costa Rica’s talent pool is one of the most reliable in the region.
Tech Scene
Costa Rica has become a magnet for multinational companies and startups alike. In recent years, 59 new projects have launched in key sectors such as manufacturing and technology, 80% of which are in services, including digital and IT. San José, the capital, ranks among the top 1,000 cities globally for startups, and Costa Rica is widely considered one of the best countries in Central America for launching a tech venture. This growing ecosystem is supported by strong government initiatives and a stable business climate.
Tech giants like IBM, Intel, and HP have established branches in Costa Rica, alongside a flourishing community of startups and specialized tech service providers. When you hire tech talent in Costa Rica, you gain access to a workforce with hands-on experience in in-demand areas such as AI, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. The IT services market alone is projected to generate over US$482 million in revenue in 2025, highlighting the country's consistent growth as a nearshore technology leader.
Seamless Collaboration
According to the EF English Proficiency Index, Costa Rica ranks #41 globally and #5 in Latin America in English proficiency. This strong command of English, particularly among tech professionals, ensures smooth and efficient communication with international teams. It minimizes misunderstandings and makes remote collaboration feel natural and effortless.
In addition to language skills, Costa Rican professionals share a work culture highly compatible with North American standards. There’s a strong emphasis on deadlines, teamwork, and accountability, which makes integration with U.S.-based teams seamless. Additionally, Costa Rica operates in the Central Standard Time (CST) zone, which aligns closely with many U.S. time zones, enabling real-time collaboration without the challenges of late-night or early-morning meetings.
Learn more about Costa Rica nearshoring and hiring software developers.
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
Is Costa Rica a tech hub?
Yes, Costa Rica has become a growing tech hub with a solid ecosystem of startups, multinational companies, and a strong talent pipeline.
What is Tech Costa Rica?
Tech Costa Rica refers to the country’s rapidly growing technology sector, including software development, IT services, and innovation centers.
What are the companies in Costa Rica?
Major tech companies like Intel, IBM, HP, and many startups operate in Costa Rica, offering diverse job opportunities for tech talent.
Is Costa Rica technologically advanced?
Costa Rica is considered technologically advanced within Latin America, with widespread internet connectivity and a focus on digital transformation.
Conclusion
Hiring tech talent in Costa Rica offers more than just cost savings—it gives you access to a highly educated, English-proficient workforce that operates in your time zone and shares your work culture values. From a strong STEM education system and global tech company presence to a vibrant startup ecosystem and reliable infrastructure, Costa Rica has everything you need to build a high-performing remote team.
If you’re looking for a nearshore solution that combines technical expertise, cultural alignment, and real-time collaboration, Costa Rica is a strategic place to start. Ready to grow your tech team with top-tier talent? Costa Rica might just be your smartest move yet. 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.
