Your Guide to Hiring Developers and Software Engineers in Monterrey

Located close to the Mexico-US border, Monterrey offers a unique opportunity for US-based companies to tap into the vibrant tech ecosystem in Latin America without having to dive too deep into the country. Companies looking to hire developers and software engineers in Monterrey will find an array of professionals with a focus on innovation and design. 

Are you considering hiring a team in Mexico? Monterrey may be a great place to start. 

Check out our guide to learn why Monterrey is one of the best hidden gems in the tech landscape in Mexico, and what processes you should be aware of when hiring developers and software engineers in the city. 

How many developers are there in Monterrey? 

Monterrey is home to numerous universities and technical institutes that produce a significant number of graduates in computer science and related careers each year. These institutions include the Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education (ITESM), Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León (UANL), and Universidad Regiomontana (UR), among others.

Additionally, Monterrey attracts professionals from other parts of Mexico and international talent seeking opportunities in the city's thriving tech sector. Right now, there are over 700,000 software developers located in Mexico. Many global technology businesses have established offices or development centers in Monterrey, further contributing to the pool of software developers in the region.

Major companies with headquarters in Monterrey include: 

• IBM

• Neoris

• Alfa

• Arca Continental

• Banamex

• Cemex

What do developers in Monterrey do?

Developers and software engineers in Monterrey differ from its southern counterpart Guadalajara. Monterrey has a high focus on industrialization and the highest per capita income of any city in the country. 

Here are some common responsibilities and areas of work for software developers and engineers in Monterrey:

1. Software Development: Software developers in Monterrey work on designing, coding, and testing software applications. They use programming languages, frameworks, and tools to develop solutions that meet specific requirements. This includes front-end development, back-end development, and full-stack development.

2. Web Development: Web development is a popular area of focus for software developers in Monterrey. They make and create websites, web applications, and e-commerce platforms using multiple tech languages that are cross-functional including  HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and various frameworks like React, Angular, or Vue.js.

3. Mobile App Development: Software developers and engineers in Monterrey are involved in developing mobile apps and social media apps for platforms such as iOS and Android. They use programming languages like Swift, Objective-C, Java, or Kotlin, along with frameworks like Flutter or React Native.

4. Database Development: A software developer in  Monterrey could work on database development and management. They design and implement database structures, optimize query performance, and ensure data integrity and security. Common database technologies include MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, or MongoDB.

5. Software Engineering: Software engineers in Monterrey focus on the entire software development lifecycle. They work on requirements analysis, system architecture, software design, and project management. They apply engineering principles and practices to ensure software quality, reliability, and scalability.

6. Quality Assurance and Testing: Software developers and engineers in Monterrey also engage in quality assurance and testing activities. They write test cases, perform manual and automated testing, and ensure the software meets quality standards and functional requirements.

7. DevOps and Cloud Computing: Monterrey software developers are involved in DevOps practices, which involve deploying and maintaining software systems efficiently. They work with cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud to manage infrastructure, automate deployments, and improve scalability.

8. Research and Innovation: Monterrey has a growing emphasis on research and innovation in the technology sector. Software developers and engineers are often involved in exploring new technologies, implementing cutting-edge solutions, and contributing to the advancement of the industry through research and development projects.

Startup scene in Monterrey

The startup scene in Monterrey, Mexico is vibrant and rapidly growing. Over the past decade, Monterrey has emerged as a significant hub for entrepreneurship and innovation. The community fosters a dynamic ecosystem for startups through coexisting networks and co-working spaces.

Why companies hire developers in Monterrey

Monterrey has a strong entrepreneurial culture, with a growing number of businesses choosing to start their own businesses or expand into the city. The city promotes innovation and encourages entrepreneurship through various initiatives, events, and support networks.

Proximity to the United States

Monterrey is located in close proximity to the United States, making it an attractive option for companies seeking nearshore outsourcing. It is in the Central Time Zone, which allows for easier coordination and collaboration with teams in the U.S. Additionally, Monterrey has excellent internet connectivity and accessibility, given the city is located right on the other side of the US/Mexico border. 

Cost effective

Hiring software developers and engineers in Monterrey can provide cost advantages compared to hiring in the United States or other developed countries. While the salaries may be lower, the talent in Monterrey is highly skilled, allowing companies to access quality development expertise at a more affordable rate.

Bilingual and multicultural workforce

Many software developers and engineers in Monterrey are bilingual, fluent in both Spanish and English. This language proficiency enables effective communication with international teams and clients. Furthermore, the multicultural nature of the workforce promotes diversity, which can lead to enhanced problem-solving and creativity.

Academic support

Monterrey's universities and educational institutions play a crucial role in nurturing the startup ecosystem. They offer entrepreneurship programs, technology transfer initiatives, and research collaborations, enabling students and researchers to turn their innovative ideas into viable startups.

Types of developers and tech professionals working in Monterrey

As a leading area in Latin American and North America for developers and engineers, there is a wide range of tech professionals working in Monterrey, including: 

• Software engineers

• UX/UI designers

• Web developers

• Full-stack developers

• Back-end developers

• Project managers

• Graphic design

• Data analysis

• Developers 

• C# developers 

• Application developers

• Full-stack developers

• Game developers

• IOS developers

• Cloud engineers

• Web and mobile app developers  

• JavaScript developers

• PHP developers

• Go developers

• WordPress developers

• .NET developers

• AngularJS developers 

• NodeJS developers 

• Back-end developers

How to recruit developers in Monterrey

Recruiting developers in Monterrey, Mexico requires a well-planned approach to attract and hire top talent. Here are some steps you can follow to recruit developers in Monterrey:

1. Define Your Needs: Clearly define the specific skills, experience, and qualifications you are looking for in developers. Determine the technologies, programming languages, and frameworks relevant to your project or company in order for you to hire the best software developers for your company's needs. 

2. Utilize Online Job Platforms: Post a job opening on popular job platforms and websites that are widely used in Monterrey, such as LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, and local job boards like OCCMundial and Computrabajo. Provide a detailed job description and highlight the unique aspects of your company and the opportunities you offer.

3. Engage with Local Tech Communities: Participate in local tech events, meetups, and conferences in Monterrey to connect with developers directly. Networking in these communities can help you build relationships, spread the word about your job openings, and gain insights into the talent pool.

4. Partner with Universities and Institutes: Monterrey is home to several universities and technical institutes. Establish connections with these institutions through career fairs, internships, and campus recruitment. Engage with professors and career services to tap into the student talent pool.

5. Leverage Professional Networks: Leverage your professional networks, both locally and globally, to find potential candidates. Reach out to industry contacts, colleagues, and professional associations for referrals and recommendations.

6. Partner with an EOR or a recruitment agency: Finally, companies can work with a recruitment agency or an employer-of-record in Mexico that specializes in tech talent to help them identify and recruit top software developers in Monterrey. These agencies often have a deep understanding of the local talent landscape, and can help companies navigate the recruitment process and find the right candidates. 

Salary ranges for developers and software engineers in Monterrey

Salary range for software developers and engineers in Monterrey depend on several factors, including years of experience, type of company, and specific skills and expertise needed: 

Software engineers salaries range $33,000-$70,000 USD per year depending on junior or senior level positions. The average salary for a team lead is $95,000 USD per year. The average salary for a contracted software engineer is $43,000 USD per year.

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

• $10,000-$45,000 USD per year for NodeJS developer 

• $12,000-$36,000 USD per year for JavaScript developers

• $11,000-$31,000 USD per year for AngularJS developers

• $25,000-$35,000 USD per year for PHP developers

• $14,000-$45,000 USD per for WordPress developers 

How to hire with an EOR and build tech hub 

If you’re starting to think about hiring full-time developers and software engineers in Monterrey but don’t want to waste time or resources setting up an entity, you may have considered partnering with an EOR service provider like Via.

Companies that partner with an EOR recruit and build their teams without the stress of entity set up. The EOR simply takes care of the paperwork, including onboarding, offboarding, payroll, benefits, taxes, employment contracts, ongoing compliance, and all 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. Learn more here. 

Why companies choose Via

As a global EOR provider, Via makes hiring Mexican talent and building your global team seamless. Instead of having to learn every specific nuance in every province, you can focus on finding the talent that fits your company. Whether you need to hire remote workers or independent contractors in Mexico, we support you throughout the entire process. Via helps you manage local HR processes for direct employment such as work visas & permits, benefits, payroll, background checks, and more. Our team of local labor lawyers and on-the-ground experts ensure that your company remains compliant while expanding abroad. As your employer-of-record/entity in Mexico, Via assumes responsibility for employment liability, so that you can focus on what matters: recruiting and managing your team.