The Most In Demand Tech Roles — 80% Cheaper than in the U.S.

Today, with Bay Area Times hiring partner Athyna, we are here to explore global hiring, and how it compares to the U.S. Last time we chatted, we focused on the advantages in compensation, talent availability, and overall business growth. Today, we will look at the hottest roles in tech across regions.

To illustrate the stark differences in compensation, let’s take a closer look at how salaries in South Africa compare to those in the U.S. across several key roles.

For roles such as UX/UI Designer, Product Manager, and Machine Learning Engineer, the cost savings are substantial. For instance, a Product Manager in the U.S. earns an average of $196,061 annually, whereas in South Africa, the same role costs just $38,169 — a reduction of over 80%. Similarly, a Machine Learning Engineer in the U.S. commands a salary of $165,139, compared to $29,861 in South Africa.

Expanding the scope: U.S. vs. The rest of the World

Beyond South Africa, other regions also present significant cost-saving opportunities without compromising on talent quality. Let’s examine how compensation for Data Engineers, DevOps, and other roles compares across the U.S., South Africa, Brazil, and India.

Data Engineers: A global perspective

A Data Engineer in the U.S. earns an average of $131,689 per year. However, in South Africa, this drops to $30,963, in Brazil to $22,052, and in India to just $11,683. Despite the lower costs, these regions offer highly skilled professionals capable of delivering work on par with their U.S. counterparts.

DevOps: Cost efficiency across borders

The disparity in salaries is also evident in the DevOps field. In the U.S., DevOps professionals command an average salary of $140,802. In South Africa, this drops to $32,433, in Brazil to $21,496, and in India to $10,431. These figures clearly show that businesses can reduce their labor costs significantly by hiring internationally, particularly in regions with lower living costs.

Machine Learning Engineers: A high-demand role with global talent

Machine Learning Engineers are in high demand, with U.S. salaries reflecting this at an average of $165,139. However, in Brazil, the average salary is just $23,874, while in India, it’s $13,352. South Africa also offers competitive rates at $29,861, making these regions attractive options for companies looking to tap into global talent pools.

UX/UI Designers: High-duality design at a fraction of the cost

In the field of UX/UI design, the cost differences are equally striking. A UX/UI Designer in the U.S. earns an average of $110,558 annually. In South Africa, the cost is $19,775, in Brazil $11,117, and in India $6,880. These savings can be redirected into other critical areas of the business, such as research and development or market expansion.

Product Managers: Strategic leadership on a global scale

Product Managers are crucial to the success of any business, but the cost of hiring them varies widely. In the U.S., the average salary for a Product Manager is $196,061. In South Africa, this drops to $38,169, in Brazil to $29,890, and in India to $26,226. These figures underscore the financial benefits of looking beyond the U.S. for strategic leadership roles.

Zoomed out: Why global hiring is a strategic advantage

While cost savings are a significant factor, they’re not the only reason to consider global hiring. It’s also about accessing a diverse talent pool that brings different perspectives and experiences to the table. Countries like Brazil, South Africa, and India are not only cost-effective but also home to some of the world’s most innovative tech companies. These regions have produced talent that has worked for global giants like Amazon, Meta, and Uber, as well as local powerhouses like Mercado Libre and Nubank.

For companies looking to stay competitive, leveraging global talent is not just an option—it’s a strategic imperative. The Bay Area Times has successfully tapped into this global talent pool through Athyna, and if you’re ready to take your hiring strategy to the next level, Athyna can help you do the same.

*Sponsored by Athyna. We have equity in the company.

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