If you're a hiring manager, decision maker, or recruiter for a U.S. tech company, finding the right data engineers is probably one of your biggest challenges. Between sky-high salaries and intense local competition, filling these roles internally can feel overwhelming. With endless options and complex models, it's easy to get lost. Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered.

In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of outsourcing data engineers from two of the top nearshoring hubs: Mexico and Colombia. Whether growing a startup or managing an enterprise-level IT team, understand the markets to choose the most suitable one for your company's needs.

Outsource Data Engineers: Why It Matters

Outsourcing isn’t just about cutting costs—it’s about unlocking opportunities, accessing specialized talent, and staying competitive in a tech-driven world. In the realm of data engineering, outsourcing can be a game-changer. 

Data engineers are responsible for building and maintaining the systems that collect, store, and analyze data. Their work ensures that data scientists, analysts, and decision-makers can access accurate and reliable information.

Key responsibilities include:

• Designing and optimizing data pipelines that move massive amounts of information between systems.
• Implementing ETL processes (Extract, Transform, Load) to clean and organize raw data.
• Creating data models to support analytics and machine learning algorithms.
• Managing and scaling databases to handle growing user demands.
• Ensuring data security and compliance with international regulations.

Think of data engineers as the architects and builders of your company’s data infrastructure. Without them, your data is like a goldmine buried deep underground—valuable but inaccessible.

Learn more about Hiring the Best Data Engineers in Latin America.

Mexico vs. Colombia: A Comparison for Outsourcing Data Engineers

Both countries boast strong tech ecosystems, skilled talent, and a growing focus on data engineering expertise, but each brings distinct advantages. Outsourcing Data Engineers to either Mexico or Colombia can be a strategic move, depending on your business priorities.

Mexico stands out for its geographic proximity to the U.S., offering seamless time zone alignment and convenient travel options. Its mature tech sector, supported by trade agreements like the USMCA, ensures smoother business operations and reliable access to top talent. Mexico is home to leading companies in the Business Process Outsourcing sector, showcasing its capacity to manage complex operational and technical tasks at scale. Mexican data engineers excel in cloud infrastructure, ETL pipelines, and database management, making the country an excellent choice for outsourcing data engineers when projects require immediate collaboration and delivery.

Colombia, meanwhile, is quickly establishing itself as a cost-effective alternative with a thriving tech scene. Known for its innovative approach to big data and analytics, outsourcing data engineers from Colombia offers access to experts with expertise in tools such as Apache Spark, Hadoop, and machine learning frameworks. Colombia ranked first in the Offshore BPO Confidence Index, highlighting its strength in the global outsourcing landscape. The country's young workforce, competitive pricing, and increasing English proficiency make it an ideal destination for long-term partnerships focused on scalability.

Find out more about the top 5 benefits of outsourcing to Latin America.

Time Zone Alignment and Communication

Time differences between Colombia, Mexico, and the United States vary depending on the specific time zone in the U.S. and daylight saving time. Here is the general breakdown:

Colombia and the U.S.

• Eastern Standard Time (EST): Colombia has the same time as the US Eastern Standard Time when there is no Daylight Saving Time (November to March). During Daylight Saving Time (March to November), Colombia is 1 hour behind EST.
• Central Standard Time (CST): Colombia is generally one hour ahead of US Central Standard Time, and during Daylight Saving Time, they are synchronized.

Mexico and USA

• Mexico Central Time (CDMX and most of the country):some text
  • It is synchronized with CST in the U.S. for most of the year.
  • During daylight saving time in the U.S., Mexico may fall 1 hour behind since its time change is different.
• Pacific Time: Synchronized with PST in the USA.
• Eastern Time: Synchronized with EST all year round, as it does not change for daylight saving time.

Technical Skills and Expertise

Mexico and Colombia are home to highly skilled tech professionals, making them ideal destinations for outsourcing data engineers. Both nations have made significant strides in STEM education, offering a steady pipeline of engineers trained in the latest technologies.

Mexico’s Expertise

In Mexico, a robust emphasis on cloud computing solutions has created a talent pool skilled in platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP). Mexican data engineers are particularly strong in integrating cloud services with existing business infrastructure, optimizing workflows, and reducing operational costs. It makes Mexico a top choice for outsourcing data engineers specializing in cloud-based solutions. Many Mexican universities partner with global tech giants to certify students in cloud technologies, ensuring a workforce that stays current with industry demands.

Colombia’s Expertise

Colombia excels in big data and analytics, with engineers proficient in tools like Apache, Hadoop, Spark, and Kafka. These technologies are essential for handling large datasets, building real-time data pipelines, and developing machine learning applications. Outsourcing data engineers to Colombia provides access to professionals with hands-on experience in cutting-edge data solutions, thanks to an active startup scene and robust analytics training.

Learn more about outsourcing technical roles: Criteria for Choosing the Best Agency.