2026 Salary Guide · Latin America
How Much Does It Cost to Hire in Latin America vs. the US?
Last updated: October 2026
A 2026 LATAM vs US salary comparison across 11 in-demand roles — real nearshore staffing cost ranges, so you can budget your next remote hire with numbers, not guesses.
If you're trying to figure out how much does it cost to hire in Latin America compared to hiring the same role in the US, the honest answer is: it depends on the role — but the difference is often significant. Below is a role-by-role breakdown of typical monthly costs in both markets, based on 2026 nearshore staffing cost data. These are approximate market ranges, not a quote for your specific search — actual pay varies by country, seniority, and specialization. Every UpHiire placement is priced with a transparent flat fee on top of fair, competitive pay for the talent — not a race to the lowest rate the market will accept.
Typical monthly salary by role: Latin America vs US (2026)
| Role | Latin America (USD/month) | U.S. median (BLS) | U.S. typical range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virtual Assistant | $1,000–$2,000 | $3,962 | $3,500–$5,000 |
| Executive Assistant | $1,500–$2,800 | $6,383 | $4,600–$8,800 |
| Customer Support | $1,000–$2,000 | $3,731 | $3,500–$5,000 |
| SDR / Sales Agent | $1,500–$2,800 + commission | — | $4,000–$7,500 |
| Bookkeeper | $1,200–$2,500 | $4,223 | $4,500–$6,500 |
| Accountant | $2,000–$4,000 | $6,807 | $5,400–$8,300 |
| Marketing Specialist | $1,500–$2,800 | — | $5,500–$8,000 |
| Software Developer | $3,000–$5,500 | $11,332 | $9,000–$15,000 |
| AI / ML Engineer | $3,500–$7,000 | — | $10,000–$17,500 |
| Property Management Assistant | $1,300–$2,400 | — | $3,800–$4,900 |
| Dispatcher / Logistics Coordinator | $2,000–$3,500 | — | $4,000–$6,000 |
Latin America ranges reflect typical full-time, mid-level salaries for remote professionals working U.S. hours, based on 2026 market data and our placement experience. U.S. medians come from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (annual medians divided by 12). U.S. figures are base pay only; benefits, bonuses and payroll taxes are excluded and can add 20–40% to the real cost. These are talent salaries, not UpHiire's fees.
For a step-by-step method, see how to set a fair salary for a remote professional in Latin America.
How UpHiire pricing works
The salaries in the table above go to the professional you hire. UpHiire's fee is shown separately and agreed upfront, so you always know exactly what your hire earns and what you pay us. There are no hidden markups.
Need help with payments and ongoing contractor management? It's available as an optional service, quoted separately and agreed upfront.
Book a free 30-min callHow much do LATAM employees make compared to the US?
The gap above isn't about lower quality — it comes from real cost-of-living differences between the US and Latin America. Candidates UpHiire places are screened for English fluency, relevant experience, and the specific tools your role requires — the same bar as a US hire, at a fair rate for where they live.
UpHiire's model is simple: a transparent flat fee, with fair, competitive pay for the talent — not the lowest rate the market will tolerate. Read more about our mission and how we work.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to hire in Latin America?
It depends on the role and seniority. Typical full-time, mid-level monthly salaries range from about $1,000–$2,000 for virtual assistants and customer support up to $3,000–$5,500 for software developers and $3,500–$7,000 for AI/ML engineers. See the table above for each role.
Is it cheaper to hire in Latin America than in the US?
Generally, yes. For every role in the table above, typical Latin America salary ranges sit well below US base salaries — and the US figures don't yet include benefits or payroll taxes. Actual pay still varies by country, seniority and English level.
What hidden costs should I expect when hiring in LATAM?
Beyond salary, budget for recruiting or placement fees, international payment and transfer fees, and the tools or equipment your hire needs. If you hire through an employer of record or need local compliance support, that adds a separate cost. Factor in onboarding time as well.
How much does a virtual assistant from Latin America cost?
A full-time, mid-level virtual assistant in Latin America typically earns $1,000–$2,000 per month, compared to $3,500–$5,000 in base salary for a US-based equivalent. The exact figure depends on experience, English level and scope of work. Learn how to hire a virtual assistant →
Is it cheaper to hire a contractor or an employee in Latin America?
Hiring an independent contractor is usually simpler and less expensive upfront, because you avoid local payroll and employer obligations. Hiring a formal employee typically requires an employer of record or a local entity, which adds cost but may fit long-term or compliance-sensitive roles. Compare contractor vs. employee →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025: national median annual wages for customer service representatives, secretaries and administrative assistants, executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants, bookkeeping clerks, and software developers. https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Accountants and Auditors (median pay, May 2024). https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/accountants-and-auditors.htm
- UpHiire 2026 salary ranges, based on market data and placement experience.
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