Hiring Data Engineers Abroad? Why Colombia is Competing with India and the Philippines
- admin733660
- Oct 7
- 4 min read
If building a world-class data team feels like stacking dominos across the globe, then the foundation matters most. Because it only takes one weak connection in talent, time zone, or compliance to knock the whole system down.
For years, U.S. companies have turned to India or the Philippines when they needed data engineers fast. But today, a different player is entering the ring one that offers strong technical bases, tighter alignment, and fewer hidden costs.
But why abroad and not just locally?
Data engineers are the backbone of modern companies and one of the fastest-growing, hardest-to-fill roles in the U.S. Companies of every size from startups to Fortune 500s are competing for the same limited pool of talent.
Talent Shortage: Demand far outpaces supply. In 2025, LinkedIn listed data engineering among the top 10 most in-demand jobs in the U.S., with thousands of unfilled openings every month.
Skyrocketing Salaries: The average U.S. data engineer earns between $120,000–$150,000+ per year (not including benefits, bonuses, or overhead). For small and mid-sized businesses, that cost can be prohibitive.
Turnover Risk: In hyper-competitive markets, engineers often leave quickly for higher offers, creating instability.
Visa Barriers: With the recent $100,000 H-1B fee, bringing talent into the U.S. has become even more expensive and less accessible.
Hiring abroad especially in regions like Colombia solves multiple problems at once.
With real-time compatibility to U.S. Eastern hours, a cost structure that remains favorable, and an increasingly sophisticated tech ecosystem, it’s no longer the “other option” — it’s becoming the option.
India vs. Philippines vs. Colombia: Where Should You Build Your Data Team?
When companies decide to hire offshore data engineers, the next big question is where. Not all talent markets are created equal each region has its strengths, limitations, and hidden costs that can affect your long-term success.
India and the Philippines have been the default destinations for decades, supported by mature outsourcing industries and global name recognition. But new players are emerging, and Colombia has quickly gained traction as a serious contender in Latin America.
The differences go beyond salary. Time zone overlap, cultural alignment, technical depth, and ecosystem maturity all play critical roles in determining how smoothly a remote data team can operate.
Let’s take a closer look at how these three regions compare and why the right choice depends on more than just cost savings.
India
India has been the cornerstone of global outsourcing for decades. With over 1.5 million engineering graduates every year, it offers unmatched scale and technical depth across data engineering, analytics, and advanced IT functions. Many of the world’s largest tech companies rely on India for both volume hiring and specialized expertise.
The time zone difference with the U.S. (9–12 hours ahead of EST) can make real-time collaboration harder, and salaries for senior engineers in major hubs like Bangalore have increased in recent years. Still, for organizations looking to tap into breadth and highly specialized knowledge, India continues to deliver.
The Philippines
The Philippines has long been a leader in outsourcing, supported by its high English proficiency and strong cultural alignment with the U.S. This makes collaboration smooth, particularly in roles that require constant communication and coordination.
Salaries for data engineers typically fall between $18,000–$25,000 annually, making it cost-effective to build small, collaborative teams.
While the country is best known for its strength in customer support and service-driven roles, it has an expanding pool of engineers and IT professionals. For businesses where clarity in communication and cultural fit are top priorities, the Philippines offers an environment that is both reliable and adaptable.
Colombia
Colombia has quickly emerged as one of Latin America’s fastest-growing hubs for technical talent. The country produces over 100,000 STEM graduates annually, many focused on data, analytics, and cloud engineering. Cities like Bogotá and Medellín have become centers of innovation, attracting foreign investment and building strong local ecosystems.
What makes Colombia especially compelling is its alignment with U.S. business needs. Operating on Eastern Time, Colombian engineers collaborate in real time with U.S. teams a major advantage for data-heavy projects that require quick feedback and iteration. Salaries average $25,000–$45,000 per year, offering significant savings compared to U.S. hires, while remaining competitive to attract and retain top talent locally.
For U.S. businesses, Colombia strikes a balance: strong technical skills, cultural proximity, geographic accessibility, and cost efficiency, all within a growing ecosystem designed to scale with international demand.
Which Region Should You Hire From?
The answer often depends on what problem a business is trying to solve. Hiring offshore is less about geography and more about strategy.
A company that needs a large team running around the clock often turns to India. Its sheer scale and experience in outsourcing make it the place to build volume quickly, especially for enterprises that can work asynchronously and don’t need everyone online at the same time.
Companies that turn to the Philippines usually value communication and cultural familiarity above all. The workforce is known for its adaptability. For technical roles, the depth may be smaller, but the ease of collaboration is why many businesses continue to choose it.
And then there are the businesses that need specialized skills without losing alignment. This is where Colombia has started to stand out. With engineers working on Eastern Time, strong technical training, and competitive compensation, companies can scale their data teams without giving up real-time collaboration. It’s not about being the cheapest, but about building capability in a way that feels connected and sustainable.
Every region has value, and every choice comes with a price tag, whether it’s salary costs, time zone friction, or access to specialized talent. The right decision depends on your priorities. But for many U.S. businesses, Colombia has become the balance point: cost-effective, technically strong, and aligned with the way they already work.
Closing Thoughts
Hiring offshore data engineers is no longer just about cutting costs it’s about finding the right fit for how your business operates.
At Recruitable, our role is simple: we bridge the gap. We connect U.S. businesses with top Colombian professionals and handle everything behind the scenes from contracts to compliance so you can focus on building products, not paperwork.
👉 If Colombia is on your radar, we’re here to help you turn that possibility into a real, scalable team.
.png)
.png)
.png)
Comments