Your Guide to Hire Developers and Software Engineers in Medellín

By tapping into Medellín’s talent pool, businesses can access exceptional technical skills, foster cross-cultural collaboration, and ultimately accelerate their digital transformation efforts in an increasingly competitive global market.

How many developers are there in Medellín? 

Medellín is the second largest city in Colombia (around 2.5 million people). Over 10,000 tech professionals live in the area, which is around 6.5% of the city’s workforce. Half of these professionals specialize in software development, while the rest work in IT, digital marketing, and mobile development. 

Startups in Medellín

The startup scene in Medellín has become a dynamic and vibrant ecosystem for entrepreneurship. The city is quickly emerging as one of Latin America’s top hubs for innovation and tech, with many venture-capital firms setting up permanent offices that help with funding in the city. 

Entrepreneurial culture

Medellín has fostered a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. The city has seen a rise in the number of local entrepreneurs who are motivated to create innovative solutions and build scalable businesses. This entrepreneurial spirit is supported by various organizations, programs, and initiatives.

Supportive infrastructure

Medellín offers a supportive infrastructure for startups. There are numerous co-working spaces, incubators, and accelerators that provide entrepreneurs with resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities. 

Why companies hire developers in Medellín

The city’s strong focus on an entrepreneurial culture has inspired more US-based businesses to hire developers and software engineers in Medellín. 

Government initiatives

The Colombian government has implemented initiatives to promote entrepreneurship and support the startup ecosystem. Programs like iNNpulsa Colombia and the Colombian Ministry of Information Technology and Communications (MinTIC) provide funding, grants, and resources to startups. These initiatives aim to encourage innovation, job creation, and economic growth.

Investment and financing

Medellín has seen an increase in venture capital investment and access to financing options for startups. Local and international investors are recognizing the potential of Medellín’s startup ecosystem and are actively seeking investment opportunities. Additionally, specific government-backed funds and angel investor networks provide funding avenues for early-stage startups.

Focus on technology and innovation

The startup environment  in Medellín is heavily focused on technology and innovation. Startups in sectors such as software development, fintech, healthtech, edtech, and agrotech have emerged and gained traction. The availability of skilled technical talent and the support of local universities contribute to the development of technology-driven startups.

Collaboration and networking 

Medellín offers numerous opportunities for collaboration and networking within the startup community. Events, meetups, and conferences bring together entrepreneurs, investors, industry experts, and professionals. These platforms facilitate knowledge sharing, partnerships, and business connections.

Global recognition

Medellín’s startup ecosystem has gained international recognition. The city has been ranked as one of the top emerging startup cities in Latin America. It has also received accolades and awards for its innovation, entrepreneurship programs, and quality of life.

Types of developers and tech professionals working in Medellín

As an emerging hub for startups in Latin America, Medellín has a wide range of developers and tech professionals working throughout the city including: 

• Front-end developers

• Back-end developers

• Full-stack developers

• Agile software development

• Mobile app developers (iOS/Android)

• Web developers

• Software engineers

• Data scientists

• Machine learning engineers

• AI developers

• DevOps engineers

• UI/UX developers

• Game developers

• E-commerce developers

• Blockchain developers

• Cloud architects

• Quality Assurance (QA) engineers

• Database developers/administrators

• Embedded Systems developers

• Augmented Reality (AR) developers

• Virtual Reality (VR) developers

How to recruit developers in Medellín

Recruiting developers for hire in Medellín follows a process similar to hiring developers in other locations. However, you will need to consider if you want to set up an entity or partner with an EOR in Colombia. 

Here are some steps you can consider before you begin your search for developers in the area:

1. Define your requirements: Clearly define the skills, experience, and qualifications you are seeking in candidates. Determine the specific roles and responsibilities that need to be filled within your development team.

2. Utilize online platforms: Leverage popular job boards and online platforms when you post a job opportunity. Websites like LinkedIn, Indeed, and local job portals such as Computrabajo and Elempleo are widely used in Colombia. Craft compelling job descriptions that accurately represent the position and highlight the attractive aspects of your company and the role.

3. Tap into local networks: Engage with local tech communities, attend meetups, recruit from local universities, and leverage network opportunities to connect with developers in Medellín. This can help you build relationships, gain insights, and reach potential candidates through word-of-mouth referrals.

4. Partner with an EOR: Companies can work an EOR like Jusworks in Colombia that specializes in tech talent to help them identify and recruit top software developers in Columbia. Consider remote or flexible options: If your company allows remote work or flexible arrangements, consider recruiting developers in Medellín for such roles. This widens your talent pool and provides the opportunity to work with highly skilled developers regardless of geographical constraints.

Salary ranges for developers and software engineers in Medellín

When considering salary ranges for developers and software engineers in Medellín, potential talent will be expecting compensation based on their years of experience, type of work, and specific expertise in the related position. 

For a junior software developer working as a beginner in the field, the starting salary is around $24,000 USD per year. Salaries can range all the way up to $84,000 USD per year for senior software developers or team leads and managers.  

Here’s a look at average developer salaries by programming language in 2023:

• $68,000 USD per year for NodeJS developer 

• $55,000 USD per year for JavaScript developers

• $44,000 USD per year for AngularJS developers

• $34,000 USD per year for PHP developers

• $36,000  USD per for WordPress developers 

How to hire with an EOR and build a tech team 

If you’re starting to think about hiring full-time developers and software engineers in Medellín but don’t have the time or resources to set up an entity, you may have considered partnering with an global EOR service provider. Justworks, for instance, offers EOR in Colombia.

Companies that partner with an EOR recruit and build their teams with ease. The EOR takes care of the paperwork, including onboarding, offboarding, payroll, benefits, taxes, employment contracts, ongoing compliance, and other HR processes. 

As your strategic partner abroad, an EOR can help you determine the right salary to offer candidates abroad to ensure that your compensation package is locally competitive.

Justworks Can Help Manage International Hiring

Choosing the right EOR to help you expand your business internationally can be a game changer. Justworks’ global EOR services enables small businesses to hire international employees quickly, pay them in the local currency, and provide local benefits. It’s hard to know where to start and what to put in place abroad to protect business and your employees. At Justworks, we have in-country legal teams and entities set up to ensure that your payroll is protected and that you’re remaining compliant abroad. 

From access to top talent pools around the world to streamlined international hiring processes, the advantages of working with an EOR (and using Justworks) are undeniable. Get started today.