When hiring top-tier talent through platforms such as Toptal, companies frequently ask: how much of the hourly rate actually reaches the developer? Transparency in payment distribution matters to both clients and freelancers. This article summarizes publicly reported experiences and industry commentary about Toptal’s cost model, and then compares that with Teilur Talent’s transparent fee approach. (Nota: where we reference specific percentages or claims, we indicate sources or mark them as community reports.)
Understanding the Toptal Cost Model
How Toptal Determines Costs
Toptal positions itself as a premier platform connecting clients with top freelancers worldwide. Clients are often willing to pay more for vetted, highly skilled professionals, but the exact breakdown of costs can be opaque. Toptal's pricing model is not publicly disclosed in detail, contributing to confusion and frustration among clients and freelancers.
Generally, Toptal charges clients an hourly rate that varies based on the developer's skill level, experience, and project requirements. Positive reviews often highlight the ease of finding skilled professionals and the effectiveness of Toptal's matching process.
What Freelancers Actually Earn
Payment Structure and Rates
While clients might be charged $60 to $150 per hour, freelancer reports suggest that the portion received by the freelancer is often significantly lower. According to various reports and testimonials from freelancers on the platform, Toptal keeps a substantial percentage of the fees. In some reported cases, Toptal’s commission has been estimated to reach around 50%, meaning that if a client is billed $100 per hour, the freelancer might receive only $50 or slightly less. The exact percentage varies and is often not explicitly communicated to the freelancer, leading to confusion and dissatisfaction.
Evidence from Freelancers' Experiences
Several freelancers have publicly shared experiences on platforms such as Glassdoor, HackerNoon, and Reddit, describing a noticeable gap between what clients pay and what they actually earn.. For instance, a freelancer might agree to work on a project for what they believe to be a competitive hourly rate, only to realize later that Toptal retains a substantial portion of this payment.
Country
Mid-Level (3-5 years)
Senior (5-8+ years)
Specialized (AI/ML/Arch)
Brazil
$4,500 - $6,000
$7,500 - $10,500
$11,500+
Mexico
$4,800 - $6,500
$8,000 - $11,000
$12,000+
Colombia
$4,000 - $5,500
$7,000 - $9,500
$10,500+
Argentina
$3,800 - $5,200
$6,500 - $9,000
$10,000+
Feature
Teilur Talent
Deel (EOR Model)
Pricing Structure
Transparent 80/20 Split
Flat Fee / Markups
Talent Visibility
Direct access to salary data
Cost usually bundled
Retention Strategy
Fair-pay & culture-focused
Compliance-focused
Geographic Depth
LATAM Specialists
General Global Coverage
Seniority Level
Monthly Total Cost (USD)
Annual Total Cost (USD)
Experience / Profile
Mid-Level
$4,000 – $6,000
$48,000 – $72,000
3–6 years; Strong English; FinTech or Cloud focus.
Senior
$6,300 – $9,600
$75,600 – $115,200
6+ years; Lead experience; Architecture & Mentorship.
Specialized (AI/ML)
$9,200 – $13,800
$110,400 – $165,600
Experts in LLMs, Data Engineering, or Cybersecurity.
Seniority Level
Monthly Total Cost (USD)
Annual Total Cost (USD)
Experience / Profile
Mid-Level
$3,800 – $5,800
$45,600 – $69,600
3–6 years; Independent; Full-stack or Backend focus.
Senior
$6,200 – $9,500
$74,400 – $114,000
6+ years; Lead experience; Architecture & Mentorship.
Specialized (AI/Cloud)
$9,000 – $13,500
$108,000 – $162,000
Experts in AI Integration, AWS/Azure, or Cybersecurity.
Feature
Nearshore
Offshore
EOR (Employer of Record)
Direct Hire
Time Zone
Same/Overlap (±2 hrs)
Significant Gap (+10 hrs)
Varies by location
Local to HQ
Speed to Hire
1–3 Weeks
2–4 Weeks
2–6 Weeks
2–4 Months
Operational Control
High (Real-time)
Medium (Asynchronous)
Low (Legal focus)
Maximum
Compliance Risk
Managed by Partner
High (Variable)
Zero (Legal Shield)
Internal Responsibility
Cost
Mid-range
Lowest
Moderate (Fees apply)
Highest (Tax + Benefits)
Client Reviews Highlighting Transparency Facts
Several client reviews indicate their satisfaction working with Toptal, but a common factor in many other reviews is dissatisfaction with Toptal's transparency in its cost structure. Clients often need clarification about how much of their payment goes to the developer versus Toptal's commission. This lack of clarity can erode trust and deter potential clients from using the platform.
Freelancers also express concerns about their earnings on Toptal. Despite the high rates charged to clients, their take-home pay needs to reflect their skills and the effort they put into their work. This disparity is a significant point of contention and highlights the need for more transparency.
How Much Does Toptal Keep From Each Freelancer's Work?
Payment Breakdown
A common question among freelancers working on Toptal is: "How much money does Toptal keep from my work?" The answer to this question is complicated due to the lack of transparency in the payment process. Toptal does not publicly disclose the exact breakdown of payments, leaving many freelancers guessing how much they are actually earning. Estimates suggest that Toptal could keep a considerable percentage of the total payment, often more than 50%. This means that if a client pays $100 per hour, the freelancer might receive only $50 or less after Toptal takes its commission.
Freelancers on Toptal have shared their experiences on various platforms and online forums. Many express frustration at not knowing how much the platform earns from their work. This lack of transparency can negatively affect freelancers' morale and motivation.
Unlike Toptal, Teilur Talent offers a more transparent and favorable commission structure. Teilur Talent provides clear, upfront information about fees and commissions. This approach helps clients and professionals understand precisely how much is charged and how payments are distributed. While Toptal's commission can be as high as 50%, Teilur Talent's fees are significantly lower. They only charge up to 20% of the gross salary, ensuring that professionals take home a more significant portion of their earnings.
Talent Satisfaction
Professional talent satisfaction is a critical differentiator between Toptal and Teilur Talent. Professionals on Teilur Talent often report higher levels of satisfaction due to the platform's transparent payment process and commitment to fair compensation. This transparency builds trust and enhances the overall working experience for top talent. Clients can be assured that their payments are going more directly to the skilled professionals they hire by choosing Teilur Talent, fostering a more equitable and positive work environment.
Conclusion. Toptal cost
Understanding the full cost of hiring through platforms goes beyond the hourly rate — it requires knowing how fees are distributed between platform, client and professional. Publicly available freelancer reports and community discussions indicate that experiences with transparency vary widely across platforms. If clear fee breakdowns and predictable, fair compensation are priorities for your hiring strategy, a transparent model can make a measurable difference.
Next steps: Use our cost calculator to compare total employer costs versus developer take-home pay, or book a 15-minute consult with one of our specialists to see a tailored cost comparison for your role and region.
Ready to work with global companies that value transparency and fair pay?
At Teilur Talent, we make sure top Latin American developers like you earn what you truly deserve — with at least 80% of each client payment going directly to you. No hidden markups, no confusing contracts — just fair, transparent opportunities with vetted U.S. and international companies.
Join a network built for professionals who want career growth, stability, and real recognition for their work. Apply today and start working with companies that respect your talent.
Country
Base Salary
Employer Burden
Total Cost
Colombia
$5,000
+45%
~$7,250
Mexico
$5,500
+35%
~$7,425
Toptal vs Teilur Talent Comparison
Concept
Toptal
Teilur Talent
Business Model
Global freelance marketplace connecting clients with vetted professionals in software, design, and finance.
LATAM-focused recruitment company connecting businesses with full-time remote developers and tech professionals.
Selectivity Claim
Claims to accept less than 3% of applicants, based on its internal screening process.
Works only with pre-vetted, bilingual professionals in LATAM, selected for technical and communication skills.
Recruitment Process
Multi-stage: timed skills test → English interview → real-world project → live screen evaluation.
Direct evaluation of experience, portfolio, and communication ability. Matches candidates by vertical (QA, Software, Cybersecurity, Data & BI) and company culture.
Trial or Test Period
Offers a two-week trial, refundable if client isn’t satisfied.
No fixed trial period — focuses on long-term retention and transparent onboarding.
Contract Type
Typically weekly contracts (20 or 40 hours) with limited flexibility for short-term projects.
Flexible monthly agreements, allowing scalability per project scope and company needs.
Transparency
Pricing details not publicly disclosed. Clients see a blended hourly rate including Toptal’s markup.
Fully transparent pricing model. Clients see how much goes to the developer and how much is Teilur’s service fee.
Commission / Markup
Estimated around 40–50%, based on user reports and external reviews.
Capped at 20%. At least 80% of client payment goes directly to the developer.
Initial Deposit
Requires a $500 refundable deposit to start the search process.
No upfront deposit required.
Client Support
Account managers available during hiring and engagement. Support quality varies by project.
Personalized support from start to finish, ensuring alignment for both client and talent.
Developer Pay Transparency
Developers are contractually restricted from disclosing their actual pay rates.
Developers know their full compensation and see transparent rate breakdowns.
Geographic Focus
Global, with talent from Eastern Europe, Asia, and LATAM.
Exclusive to Latin America, optimizing time-zone alignment and cultural fit.
Turnover Rate
Not publicly disclosed.
Reported below 15%, reflecting strong retention and satisfaction.
Best For
Large enterprises or teams needing globally distributed freelance specialists.
U.S. and international companies seeking transparent, long-term partnerships with vetted LATAM developers.
FAQs
Does Toptal charge a fee?
Yes, both clients and freelancers pay Toptal a service fee. All employers pay the platform a flat fee of $500 per hire as an initial deposit.
How much does Toptal cost?
Toptal's charges vary based on the developer's skill level and project requirements, typically ranging from $60 to $150 per hour.
What percentage does Toptal take from freelancers?
Toptal reportedly takes a substantial percentage of the payment, often around 50%.
Are there more transparent freelance platforms than Toptal?
Yes, platforms like Teilur Talent offer more transparent fee structures and fairer compensation for clients and developers.
Why is transparency important in talent acquisition platforms?
Transparency helps build trust between clients and freelancers, ensuring fair compensation and satisfaction.
Can freelancers negotiate their rates on Toptal?
Freelancers can discuss rates with clients, but the final payment distribution remains controlled by Toptal.
We are incredibly pleased with Teilur Talent as our talent partner. Their expertise has allowed us to recruit qualified candidates from abroad, making the hiring process smooth and efficient - highly recommended for any company looking to expand their talent pool!
"Great for recruiting" What do you like best about Teilur Talent? Recruiting tool for connecting talent in South and Central America to job postings in the USA. What problems is Teilur solving and how is that benefiting you? Vetted candidates that we are able to use in our agency.
Teilur Talent helped me land a high-paying role, and everything has been great so far. If you ever have the opportunity to work with them, do so. I highly recommend it!
I have heard of Teilur Talent, and I think it is a very innovative and socially responsible company. I also think it has a very positive culture and cares about its employees and customers.
My experience with Teilur Talent has been overwhelmingly positive from the start. Transparency and clear communication were standout features throughout my journey with the company. Highly recommended!
"Argentina offers highly competitive labor costs compared to other nearshoring destinations. With a strong focus on software and IT services, Argentina's tech talent pool is growing, and the country is already a resource for tech giants like Google."
Teilur Talent featured in...
"Brazil offers an attractive combination of cost-effectiveness and high-quality talent. With reportedly more than 500,000 software developers and an impressive annual growth rate, Brazil boasts the largest tech talent pool in LATAM."
Teilur Talent featured in...
"Teilur Talent recognized as the top IT Recruiting & Staffing firm in Latin America, Teilur Talent has made valuable contributions towards making the IT workspace more efficient and streamlined."
Teilur Talent featured in...
"Teilur Talent is the world’s first talent development network connecting U.S. tech startups and remote developers from Latin America!"
At Teilur, Inc, we are committed to accuracy and fairness in all our content. Our discussions and comparisons, particularly those concerning other businesses in the recruitment industry, are grounded in the best interpretations made by our dedicated staff, based on publicly available information. We hold a deep respect for the unique qualities of each organization within our field and strive to offer valuable insights rooted in our core beliefs about the recruitment industry's workings. If you encounter any factual inaccuracies in our content, we encourage you to reach out to us at content-research@teilurtalent.com with the specific URL in question. Your feedback is invaluable, and we are committed to reviewing and addressing your concerns.
Got questions? We've got answers.
1
How is Teilur Talent different from other tech recruiting companies in LATAM?
At Teilur Talent, we take a mission-focused approach to recruiting, ensuring that our candidates are aligned with your company's vision and goals. Unlike other tech recruiting companies in LATAM, who may focus solely on technical skills, we prioritize the cultural fit and dedication of our team members to your company. For this reason, we do not support project contractor or freelancer roles. Instead, we focus on fully devoted team members who will help you achieve long-term success.
2
How does Teilur Talent attract and retain the best talent compared to other companies?
At Teilur Talent, we offer our candidates competitive salaries that are 2x to 3x higher than what tech companies would pay locally. This allows us to attract top talent and retain highly motivated and loyal team members. Additionally, we focus on finding candidates whose values align with the purpose, vision, and mission of our clients. This approach ensures that our engineers and tech talent are not just coding and completing task rather, they become part of a greater purpose, which gives them meaning and helps us attract and retain the best talent.
3
What are the typical tech roles that Teilur Talent recruits for?
At Teilur Talent, we specialize in recruiting for a wide range of tech roles that are typically in high demand. These include positions such as DevOps engineers, AI Developers, QA analysts and engineers, back-end and front-end developers, data scientists, product managers, business developers, and technical sales positions. Essentially, we recruit for most roles that are needed in B2B and B2C tech-focused businesses.
4
What are Teilur Talent's fees and pricing structure?
At Teilur Talent, we believe in transparency. We charge a flat rate fee of 20% of what the client pays. This way, our clients know exactly what they are paying for and how much the candidate gets. As an example: If a client hires a software engineer for $60,000 per year ($5,000 per month), Teilur's monthly fee would be $1,000 (20% of $5,000). We don't believe in hidden fees or unwanted surprises, so we disclose all costs upfront to both candidates hired and companies. When exploring other alternatives, make sure they are transparent about their pricing. We believe this is paramount for the benefit of all parties involved in this new era of remote work.
5
What is the candidate screening process at Teilur Talent, and how do you ensure a good fit for my company?
At Teilur Talent, we take candidate screening very seriously. We use a multi-layered approach to find the best candidates for our clients, starting with screening thousands of candidates from our internal and proprietary networks. We leverage AI technology to assess whether a candidate matches the technical skills required for a given job opening. We also perform additional personal evaluations to ensure that the candidate has the soft skills, culture fit, and English language skills required to excel in their new role. Our rigorous screening process ensures that only the best candidates make it through to our clients, saving them time and helping them find the best talent for their teams.
