Hiring an AI developer is a fundamental step for any company looking to innovate and remain competitive. However, finding the right talent often raises important questions, the most important being: How much does it cost to hire an AI developer? When comparing popular Latin American hubs, such as Brazil and Colombia, it's important to consider differences in cost, time zone alignment, language skills, and hiring processes. These factors also play a key role in making the best decision for your business.
In this blog, we will break down the costs and practical considerations of hiring AI developers in Brazil vs Colombia and provide clear information to help you make this decision confidently.
Why your business needs an AI Developer
An AI developer is a specialized software engineer who designs, builds, and deploys artificial intelligence systems that can analyze data, recognize patterns, and make automated decisions. They work with technologies like Python, TensorFlow, PyTorch, and cloud AI services to bring machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision solutions to life. By automating repetitive tasks and unlocking insights from complex datasets, they help companies improve customer experiences and optimize operations. AI can even help reduce energy bills by optimizing how resources are used, making businesses more efficient and sustainable.
As of 2025, 78% of companies have adopted AI technologies, reflecting just how critical AI developers have become for innovation and growth. They play a key role in accelerating processes like data analysis, fraud detection, and predictive modeling—reducing human error and boosting productivity. If you're exploring this path, you’re likely asking: how much does it cost to hire an AI developer? The answer depends on experience and location, but hiring in regions like Latin America can offer top-tier talent at competitive rates. In short, AI developers are essential for any business looking to stay competitive and future-proof its technology stack.
Learn more about hiring top AI developers in Latin America.
How much does it cost to hire an AI developer in Brazil vs Colombia?
Developer cost
When considering how much it costs to hire an AI developer, it’s important to look at the salary ranges typical for each market. Brazil and Colombia both offer competitive talent, but the costs vary slightly depending on experience level and local market conditions. Understanding these differences can help you budget effectively and choose the best location for your hiring needs.
Colombia: In Colombia, AI developer salaries tend to be a bit more affordable while still maintaining high quality. For example, a mid-level AI developer usually earns between $3,750 and $5,000 per month, with senior developers commanding around $6,500. These figures reflect Colombia’s growing tech ecosystem and cost of living, making it an attractive option for companies seeking skilled developers at competitive rates.
Brazil: Brazil’s AI developer salaries are generally higher but come with access to a larger talent pool and more established tech hubs. Mid-level AI developers in Brazil earn roughly between $4,000 and $5,500 monthly, while senior developers can expect salaries up to $7,000. Although the costs are slightly elevated compared to Colombia, Brazil offers experienced professionals often backed by strong academic and research backgrounds.
Time zone compatibility
When working with remote teams, time zone alignment is key. The good news? Both Colombia and Brazil offer great overlap with US working hours, making real-time collaboration smooth and efficient.
Colombia: Operates on GMT-5, which matches Eastern Standard Time (EST) for most of the year. That means teams in cities like New York or Miami can collaborate with Colombian developers in real time—no lag, no delay. Even during US daylight saving time, the overlap remains strong. It’s an ideal setup for companies on the US East Coast or Central regions looking for seamless communication and quicker feedback loops.
Brazil: Brazil spans multiple time zones, but its main tech hub, São Paulo, runs on GMT-3. That puts it about 2 hours ahead of EST, or 1 hour ahead during US daylight saving time. While not identical, this difference is still very manageable. São Paulo’s workday overlaps nicely with teams in New York, Miami, and even San Francisco, allowing for regular stand-ups, quick syncs, and productive handoffs.
English proficiency and communication
Strong communication is essential when working with AI developers, especially for complex tasks that require clarity and precision. Proficiency in English is key to ensuring smooth collaboration with international teams.
Colombia: Colombian developers generally have stronger English skills, supported by a growing emphasis on bilingual education. According to the EF English Proficiency Index, Colombia ranks 74th globally. This improves collaboration, especially in AI projects, where clear communication and attention to detail are essential.
Brazil: Brazil ranks #81 on the EF English Proficiency Index, just behind Colombia. While many Brazilian developers are improving their English, proficiency levels can vary more, so it’s worth being more selective during the hiring process. Nevertheless, there’s a strong and growing talent pool with solid technical skills.
Experience and education level
The academic backgrounds of AI developers can vary significantly by country and often influence their approaches to problem solving, research, and hands-on work. Here's how Brazil and Colombia compare in terms of education and training.
Brazil: The country offers more AI-focused university programs, particularly in cities like São Paulo and Campinas. Universidade de São Paulo is ranked #8 among BRICS universities, and UNICAMP is ranked in the top 10 of the QS University Rankings for Latin America. Many Brazilian developers participate in open-source or academic research projects, making them an excellent choice if you're seeking talent with a strong theoretical and research foundation.
Colombia: Many developers come from intensive boot camps or technical programs supported by government upskilling initiatives. However, Colombia is also home to top-ranked institutions, such as the National University of Colombia in Bogota (#14 in Latin America) and the University of the Andes (#26). These developers tend to have practical, industry-ready skills that translate well to real-world AI applications.
Learn more about outsourcing AI development to Medellin vs São Paulo.
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
How much does it cost to hire an AI developer?
Hiring AI developers in Latin America typically costs between $3,750 and $7,000 per month, depending on the country and experience level. For example, junior developers in Colombia may start around $3,750/month, while senior roles in Brazil can reach $7,000/month.
How much does it cost to hire an AI specialist?
For advanced AI roles—such as machine learning engineers, computer vision specialists, or NLP experts—you can expect to pay between $5,000 and $9,000/month in Latin America, depending on the specialist's experience and location.
How do I hire an AI developer?
Use trusted partners, talent networks, or platforms with Latin American reach. Look for English skills, timezone fit, and proven experience.
Where can I find an AI developer?
Brazil and Colombia are great starting points. You can also explore Mexico, Argentina, or Chile depending on your specific needs.
Conclusion
When deciding where to hire from, it's important to consider more than just how much it costs to hire an AI developer. If your project involves academic research or complex technical challenges, Brazil’s strong university system and AI programs may be the better fit. On the other hand, if you need developers with hands-on experience and industry-ready skills, Colombia offers a reliable and cost-effective option. 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.
