Looking to scale your team without burning through your budget? More and more U.S. companies are turning their attention to Latin America (LATAM) as the go-to region for building strong, cost-effective teams.
With a talent pool that rivals Silicon Valley in skills but comes at a fraction of the cost, LATAM has quickly become a global hiring hotspot.
The appeal goes beyond salaries. Hiring in LATAM means access to professionals who are highly educated, proficient in English, and culturally aligned with North American businesses.
Add in the benefit of overlapping time zones (no more late-night calls with offshore teams) and it’s clear why startups and enterprises alike are choosing LATAM to meet their staffing needs.
But here’s the challenge: finding the right staffing partner can make or break your hiring success. The market is crowded with agencies and platforms promising talent, yet not all deliver the same level of quality, transparency, or support.
In this article, we’ll highlight 7 of the top staffing companies in LATAM that U.S. businesses should consider. Whether you’re a startup looking for speed, a growing company needing specialized expertise, or an enterprise focused on long-term scalability, this list will help you identify the partner that best fits your goals.
Why Hire in LATAM?
When U.S. companies think about expanding their teams, they often face two major hurdles: skyrocketing salaries at home and the challenge of finding qualified talent quickly. That’s where Latin America offers a unique solution.
Cost-Effectiveness Without Compromising Quality
Salaries in LATAM are often 50–70% lower than in the U.S., but the quality of work rivals, if not surpasses, that of North America. This allows startups and enterprises to stretch their budgets further while still hiring top-tier talent.
Time-Zone Alignment
Unlike offshore regions in Asia, LATAM professionals work in time zones that overlap significantly with the U.S. This makes collaboration smoother, reduces delays, and creates an environment where teams can operate in real time.
Skilled and Diverse Talent Pool
From software engineers and designers to finance experts and customer support professionals, LATAM offers a broad talent base. Many professionals are trained in global best practices and are already accustomed to working with international teams.
Cultural Compatibility & English Proficiency
LATAM professionals often share cultural similarities with the U.S., making collaboration and communication more natural. In addition, English proficiency has steadily increased across the region, further reducing potential barriers.
Flexibility and Scalability
Hiring in LATAM allows companies to scale teams up or down quickly depending on business needs. This flexibility is crucial for startups navigating rapid growth and for larger organizations adapting to shifting market demands.
In short, LATAM combines cost savings, convenience, and quality talent, a powerful trio for any U.S. company looking to expand smartly.
What to Look for in a Staffing Company
With so many staffing agencies in LATAM promising access to top talent, choosing the right partner can feel overwhelming. The truth is, not all agencies are created equal. To make the best decision for your business, you’ll want to evaluate potential partners against a few critical factors:
Pre-Vetted Talent Pools
A strong staffing company should save you time by presenting candidates who are already vetted for skills, experience, and cultural fit. The goal is to eliminate the noise and connect you directly with professionals who can hit the ground running.
Industry Specialization
Some agencies focus on tech roles, while others shine in finance, marketing, or customer support. Partnering with a firm that understands your industry ensures they’ll match you with talent that not only has the right skills but also grasps the nuances of your business.
Transparent Pricing Models
Costs should be clear upfront, no hidden fees or inflated markups. Look for companies that are open about their pricing structures and offer flexible engagement options, whether that’s hourly, full-time, or project-based.
Compliance and Legal Support
Hiring across borders comes with complexities. The best staffing partners help you navigate contracts, local labor laws, and compliance so you can focus on building your team without worrying about risk.
Ongoing Support and Retention
A great agency doesn’t just place talent and disappear. They provide ongoing support to ensure a smooth working relationship and help you retain top performers long-term.
When you weigh staffing partners against these criteria, you’ll not only find the right agency; you’ll also avoid costly mistakes that come with poor hires or mismatched expectations.
The 7 Best Staffing Companies in LATAM
If you’re ready to tap into Latin America’s talent market, here are seven staffing companies worth considering. Each brings its own strengths, specialties, and approach to helping U.S. companies hire effectively.
1. South
If you’re looking for a highly reliable partner, South is the go-to agency for U.S. companies looking to hire vetted talent across LATAM quickly and affordably. We specialize in helping startups and scaling businesses build remote teams in areas like software development, finance, marketing, design, operations, and more.
- Strengths: Cost savings up to 70% compared to U.S. hires, strict vetting process, and talent matched within days.
- Best For: Startups and SMBs that want a fast, reliable, and transparent partner for long-term team building.
2. Toptal
Toptal is well-known globally and has a strong presence in LATAM, particularly for tech and design roles. Their network focuses on the top 3% of freelancers, offering access to highly skilled professionals.
- Strengths: Elite talent, global recognition, strict testing.
- Best For: Companies with larger budgets that prioritize premium, specialized talent.
3. Andela
Originally focused on Africa, Andela has expanded into LATAM to provide companies with access to skilled developers. Their platform is built around connecting businesses with long-term engineering talent.
- Strengths: Strong developer community, good for scaling engineering teams.
- Best For: Enterprises and growing companies seeking software development teams.
4. Tecla.io
Tecla specializes in connecting North American companies with remote tech professionals in LATAM. Their candidate pool is curated, and they emphasize speed in matching companies with talent.
- Strengths: Fast matching process, strong network of developers.
- Best For: Startups and tech firms that need software talent quickly.
5. Torre
Torre is a remote work platform with a strong focus on Latin America. Their AI-powered platform helps companies match with professionals across tech, marketing, and operations.
- Strengths: AI-driven matching, broad talent pool beyond tech.
- Best For: Companies looking for an easy-to-use platform for diverse roles.
6. Revelo
Revelo provides companies with access to full-time LATAM professionals in areas like software engineering, design, and product management. They also handle payroll and compliance.
- Strengths: End-to-end support, focus on long-term placements.
- Best For: Businesses that want both staffing and HR compliance handled.
7. Workana
Workana is one of the largest freelancing platforms in LATAM, connecting businesses with independent professionals across industries, from customer support to development.
- Strengths: Flexible, project-based hiring at competitive rates.
- Best For: Short-term projects or companies experimenting with remote LATAM talent.
This lineup showcases a mix of specialized agencies, global platforms, and regional marketplaces, but if you’re looking for a balance of speed, cost-efficiency, and long-term results, South clearly stands out as the best option.
How to Choose the Right Partner for Your Company
With so many strong staffing options in LATAM, the key isn’t just picking the “best” company overall; it’s choosing the right partner for your unique business needs. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Match Industry Expertise to Your Goals
If you’re building a software engineering team, you’ll want a partner with deep roots in tech. For finance, marketing, or customer support, choose agencies that have proven success in those verticals.
Balance Cost with Value
Some platforms charge premium rates for elite talent, while others (like South) prioritize affordability without sacrificing quality. Consider your budget, but also weigh the long-term value of a partner who can provide consistent results.
Prioritize Time-to-Hire
Startups often can’t afford long delays. If speed is critical, lean toward partners that can present vetted candidates within days, not weeks.
Look for End-to-End Support
Hiring across borders involves compliance, contracts, and retention strategies. Agencies that offer ongoing support and HR solutions will save you time and reduce risk.
Think Long-Term Scalability
Today, you might need one or two hires. Tomorrow, you may need a full department. Select a partner that can scale with you, not one you’ll outgrow.
By evaluating staffing companies through these lenses, you’ll ensure you choose a partner that not only fills immediate roles but also supports your growth trajectory for years to come.
The Takeaway
Hiring in Latin America isn’t just a cost-saving tactic. With a highly skilled talent pool, time-zone alignment, and strong cultural compatibility, LATAM has become the go-to region for U.S. companies ready to scale smarter and faster.
But success hinges on choosing the right partner. The staffing company you work with will directly influence the quality of your hires, how quickly you can fill roles, and how easily you can grow your team.
From premium global platforms to regional powerhouses, there are many options, but if you’re looking for the best mix of speed, affordability, and long-term results, South leads the way.
At South, we connect U.S. businesses with pre-vetted LATAM professionals across tech, finance, marketing, and more, helping you save up to 70% on hiring costs while building teams you can rely on.
Ready to start hiring smarter? Book a call today and meet your first candidates in days, not weeks!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why should U.S. companies hire in LATAM?
LATAM offers cost savings of up to 70% compared to U.S. hiring, while providing access to a highly skilled, English-proficient workforce. The region also shares overlapping time zones with the U.S., making collaboration easier than with offshore regions in Asia.
How do I choose the right staffing company in LATAM?
Look for agencies that offer pre-vetted talent, transparent pricing, industry specialization, and ongoing support. It’s also important to choose a partner that can scale with your business as your hiring needs grow.
Which LATAM countries are best for hiring remote talent?
Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, Argentina, and Chile are among the top choices. These countries have strong educational systems, large professional talent pools, and reliable infrastructure for remote work.
Are LATAM professionals fluent in English?
Many LATAM professionals are bilingual or highly proficient in English, especially those working in tech, finance, and marketing. Staffing companies often screen for language skills as part of their vetting process.
Can LATAM staffing companies handle compliance and payroll?
Yes, some staffing firms like South offer end-to-end support, including compliance, contracts, and payroll management. This helps U.S. businesses hire without worrying about legal risks.
What roles can I hire through LATAM staffing companies?
You can find professionals across a wide range of functions: software engineering, design, marketing, sales, finance, operations, and customer support.
Is hiring through a staffing company better than using freelancing platforms?
Freelancing platforms like Workana are great for short-term projects. However, if you want long-term, reliable team members, staffing companies like South provide vetted candidates and ongoing support to ensure retention.
