Ecuador’s stunning landscapes and rich history are well-known, but its booming tech sector might surprise you. The country is rapidly becoming a leader in nearshore software development in LATAM. Software exports have been increasing year by year with many US companies looking to hire nearshore developers in Ecuador.
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Contact Us Today!Thanks to Ecuador’s proximity to the US, similar time zones with the US (often Eastern Standard Time), and growing pool of cost-effective software developers, the country has positioned itself as a top nearshore outsourcing destination in Latin America.
If you’re considering hiring nearshore developers, Ecuador is definitely worth exploring. Still, it can be tough to figure out how to approach hiring nearshore developers in Ecuador. That’s why we decided to dedicate an entire article to software outsourcing to Ecuador. Keep reading to learn all about hiring Ecuadorian developers!
Benefits of Hiring Nearshore Developers in Ecuador
#1: Physical Proximity and Minimal Time Zone Differences to the US
Ecuador boasts a significant advantage for nearshore software development: minimal time zone difference with the US. In most cases, there’s either no difference (Eastern Standard Time) or a manageable two-hour gap. This eliminates the communication delays and scheduling headaches common with offshore outsourcing in other regions.
Furthermore, Ecuador is located in Central America. Therefore, if in-person meetings are necessary, you can be in Ecuador within a 6-hour flight — fostering stronger collaboration and faster project turnaround.
#2: Ecuadorian Developers are Fit to Work in English
Truth is, Ecuador has a mediocre English Proficiency Ranking. It has placed #90 out of 112 countries within the EF EPI index. The country’s overall score is 440 and it ranks #18 out of the 20 Latin American nations. This indicates a “very low proficiency” level when the English-speaking skills of the entire population were measured.
However, it’s important to understand the context: this ranking reflects the average proficiency across the entire population. Nearshore developers in Ecuador are the exception, in this case, thanks to their focus on remote work and the nature of the software development industry. Ecuadorian developers targeting the remote work market actively invest in honing their English proficiency.
This emphasis ensures you can effectively communicate with your nearshore software development team in Ecuador. For added peace of mind, consider incorporating an English language assessment during the hiring process. We actually cover this topic in more detail in our article on hiring remote software developers – check it out for a comprehensive guide!
#3: Ecuador’s Software Outsourcing Industry is Experiencing Continuous and Robust Growth
Ecuador is a top nearshore outsourcing location and this shows the growth its software exports have seen in recent years. Despite information services being a nontraditional export product, the country has made a reputation for itself within the industry.
By 2022, the software development scene in Ecuador employed over 200,000 people. Today, this number has vastly multiplied. Ecuador owes 32% of its software sales to international exports, according to the Software Association of Ecuador.
Not only is Ecuador a country with valuable experience with software exports, but its innovation scene is also strong. It’s no secret that innovative technologies are taking over the industry and leading to fantastic development.
When hiring nearshore developers, it’s important to outsource to a country that nurtures and encourages innovation within its software development industry. Ecuador is the right place for this! According to the 2020 Global Innovation Index, Ecuador ranks #33 among other 37 upper-middle-income economies and #99 out of the total 130 countries on the rankings.
With Quito as the country’s home for entrepreneurial endeavors, Ecuador’s software development industry is forecasted to see even more growth in the future!
#4: Nearshore Developers in Ecuador are Highly Educated
When you hire nearshore developers in Ecuador, you can rest assured these IT professionals received a quality technological education.
The education system in Ecuador is solid and free for a significant part of a kid’s schooling. There are over 100 secondary schools, with Grades 7 to 9 being free as well.
This makes education accessible to every individual in Ecuador from a young age, contributing to Ecuadorian nearshore developers having received a quality education.
Furthermore, there are 49 technical certificates and undergraduate degrees in Ecuador. STEM and computer science fields are among the most popular with newer generations of aspiring professionals.
The country also has included recent initiatives like Ecuador Scratch Day to boast the computer science skills of its population. This project provided kids across the country with free coding training at all local schools, giving Ecuadorian developers access to technology from a young age.
#5: Nearshoring Software Development to Ecuador Offers Significant Cost Reductions
Ecuadorian software developers offer competitive hourly rates compared to their US counterparts. This cost advantage, driven by the lower overall cost of living in Ecuador, enables US companies to build high-quality software development teams at a fraction of the domestic cost.
Here are the costs of hiring nearshore developers in Ecuador:
- Junior developers: $3500-$4000 USD per month.
- Mid-level developers: $4500-$6000 USD per month.
- Senior developers: $6000-$8500 USD per month.
When working with a third-party firm, it’s essential to account for an additional 30-40% in costs. Despite this, the overall expenses remain significantly lower than hiring domestically in the US.
Beyond salaries, Ecuador offers a favorable business environment with lower overhead costs. Factors such as affordable office space, utilities, and operational expenses contribute to overall cost reductions. Additionally, the Ecuadorian government provides tax incentives for foreign companies, further enhancing the cost-saving potential.
#6: Ecuadorian Developers are well versed in various coding languages.
Nearshore developers in Ecuador possess a strong foundation in a wide range of programming languages and technologies. From Java and Python to JavaScript and .NET, the talent pool in Ecuador is adept at utilizing the latest tools and frameworks to deliver cutting-edge software solutions. This allows your company to hire them for the long term, as they can switch projects with ease.
The top 10 programming languages in Ecuador, according to the GitHub are:
- Python: A general-purpose programming language commonly used for back-end development and data science.
- C++: Very similar to C, with the addition of classes and objects. C++ is well-suited for game and system development.
- C: A programming language often used in app and system development. Its syntax is similar to other popular languages.
- Java: An exceptionally good language for AI, app and web development.
- C#: Used in app, game and web development, C# is an object- and component-oriented programming language and is similar to the C and Java language families.
- JavaScript: A scripting language often used for app, game and web development, as well as web servers. JavaScript is simpler and more flexible than Java, which makes it inappropriate for some programming tasks.
- Go: Go is a relatively easy-to-learn language good for back-end development and for working with APIs and web services.
- Visual Basic: A programming language with a drag-and-drop user interface good for front-end and full-stack development.
- SQL: SQL is intended specifically for database programming.
- Ruby: Ruby is a dynamic, open source programming language with a focus on simplicity and productivity.
How to Hire Nearshore Software Developers in Ecuador
#1: Through a Nearshore Software Development Company
Software outsourcing to Ecuador is simpler if you take advantage of nearshore software development services offered by staff augmentation firms like us, Next Idea Tech. Our team handles the entirety of the recruitment and payment processes, which helps your company save a considerable amount of time and resources.
We make sure your primary concern is choosing which vetted developer is a better fit for your company. Hiring nearshore software developers in Ecuador with the help of an experienced nearshoring firm is much more efficient!
#2: Ask your Industry Contacts for Personal Referrals
If you don’t have enough room in your budget to engage a nearshore software development company, asking for a referral can also be a great way to start nearshoring. All you need to do is ask an industry contact to recommend a few potential candidates for the position you need to fill.
Then, it’s up to you to approach them and let them know your coding needs. So don’t hesitate to reach out to your contacts and ask for referrals to find and hire nearshore developers in Ecuador!
#3: Hiring a Direct Contractor
Ecuadorian developers also work on their own. So if you prefer to hire nearshore developers without any third-party interventions, this can be a practical option for your company. Sure, it can take a little extra scouting, but it’s not an impossible task.
Though it’s best to get very clear on what development solutions your business needs, due to direct contractors usually specializing in a particular framework or skill. The easiest way to look for direct contractors in Ecuador is through LinkedIn. So try to get on the platform and scout for nearshore developers in Ecuador working on their own!
Step 4: Post Job Listings on Job Boards and Social Media
Social media offers an unconventional yet highly effective method for scouting nearshore developers in Ecuador. Ecuadorian developers are well-connected within the Latin American development community, which provides a wealth of job boards and online communities to explore. Platforms like Reddit are particularly popular among developers worldwide, especially those seeking direct contracting opportunities. Various subreddits (such as r/forhire and r/jobbit) allow for job postings.
Additionally, LinkedIn, the largest professional networking platform, is widely used by developers and companies. By posting open positions on LinkedIn, you can expand your reach and attract top talent.
For companies offering remote work opportunities, Remote.co specializes in remote job listings, making it an ideal platform to find candidates looking for flexible work arrangements.
Indeed, one of the most popular job boards globally, is used by millions of job seekers and offers extensive reach for your job postings. By leveraging these platforms, you can effectively connect with skilled software developers in Ecuador and enhance your recruitment efforts.
#4: Partner with a Global Talent Acquisition Firm
Partnering with a global talent acquisition firm provides US-based companies with an efficient and effective way to hire nearshore developers in Ecuador. These firms streamline the recruitment process by managing the hiring of Ecuadorian developers on your behalf, which helps to reduce recruitment costs and ensures compliance with local regulations.
These firms typically charge the total cost of the developers’ salaries and benefits, plus a service fee of 10% or more. By utilizing their services, you can focus on your core business activities while they handle the complexities of local hiring and administrative tasks.
Step 5: Scout for Nearshore Developers in Ecuador at Local Events
Ecuador hosts several software development conferences each year, providing an excellent opportunity for US-based companies to connect with and hire nearshore developers. These IT events, both in-person and virtual, are ideal for networking with talented professionals who are actively seeking employment opportunities.
Participating in these events, whether virtually or in person, allows you to meet skilled developers face-to-face and build valuable connections. Many IT professionals at these conferences are open to new opportunities, and US-based companies offer several attractive advantages to them. Take advantage of these events to scout and hire top nearshore talent in Ecuador.
Step 6: Utilize Freelancing Platforms
Upon The Great Resignation, freelancing platforms have seen an increase in demand. The most popular ones within Latin America, UpWork and Fiverr, are filled with nearshore developers from all over the region, including Ecuador.
This means finding skilled Ecuadorian developers at affordable rates is actually quite easy on any of those platforms. Still, these sites also have a few drawbacks.
For starters, it’s not very simple to analyze the developers’ English level and programming skills before they start working for you. On the other hand, these platforms also get a share of your developer’s pay.
So it’s up to you to evaluate the pros and cons and look for alternative options.
Step 7: Open a Local Subsidiary to Hire Developers in Ecuador
This alternative is best for established businesses with a lot of expansion potential. Still, it can also be done on a smaller scale if you just want to get started with nearshoring. But if your goal is to expand your reach in the Latin American region and hire nearshore developers in Ecuador, setting up a local company has its share of advantages.
This allows you to hire local talent and create brand awareness in the country. Just ensure you comply with all local regulations from the beginning to avoid facing legal hardship.
Looking to hire nearshore developers in Ecuador? Let’s work together!
It’s easy to see why hiring nearshore developers in Ecuador is such a popular option for US-based businesses. Software outsourcing to Ecuador provides companies like yours with outstanding coding solutions at an affordable price point, all through nearshoring.
Hiring nearshore software developers in Ecuador can take your software solutions to the next level! This is also the case for many other Latin American countries, which is why we have an entire article series on the subject. Last week we focused on Panama!
At Next Idea Tech, we work with a large network of qualified software developers and UI/UX designers from Latin America and all over the world.
Our goal is to provide US-based businesses with skilled developers that will bring their creative vision to life. To achieve this, we offer both staff augmentation and direct placement services to help you hire nearshore software developers in Ecuador and all of Latin America.
Schedule a consultation with us today to learn how you can hire developers in Ecuador within just a few weeks!
FAQ About Hiring Nearshore Developers in Ecuador
Whar are the advantages of hiring developers in Ecuador?
There are many reasons to hire Ecuadorian developers. A few of our favorites are the lower development costs, the minimal time zone differences, and the lack of a communication barrier.
How can I hire nearshore developers in Ecuador?
Software outsourcing to Ecuador is simpler if you take advantage of nearshore software development services offered by staff augmentation firms like us, Next Idea Tech. Our team handles the entirety of the recruitment and payment processes, which helps your company save a considerable amount of time and resources.
How much does it cost to start software outsourcing to Ecuador?
- Junior developers: $3500-$4000 USD per month.
- Mid-level developers: $4500-$6000 USD per month.
- Senior developers: $6000-$8500 USD per month.
