In recent years, Brazil has shown significant growth in the Information Technology market, with a dynamic and constantly evolving scenario. However, when compared to the United States, there are still considerable gaps that impact everything from work culture to career opportunities. In this article, D4U Immigration compares the current IT scenario in Brazil with that in the USA, a country that leads the world in technological innovation and is the desired destination for many professionals who want to enjoy the advantages of living the American dream. Check out the main differences in terms of hiring regime, working hours, average salary, benefits offered, average age of professionals and also the IT job opportunities for Brazilians in the USA.
4 Main professional differences
When comparing the IT market in Brazil and the United States, it is possible to identify some significant differences in various aspects, such as the hiring regime, working hours, salaries, benefits and age range of professionals, as shown below:
1. Workload
A he legal working week in Brazil is 44 hours a weekbut many companies adopt a 40-hour working day. Flexible working hours and remote working are becoming increasingly common, especially in technology companies.
A standard working hours in the US are 40 hours a weekbut flexibility and remote working are also practiced, especially in technology companies.
2. Average salary
Source: BLS
A average salary for IT professionals in Brazil varies greatly depending on the region, company, experience and specialization. In general, salaries are lower compared to the United States, but they have increased in recent years.
Professionals with skills in high-demand technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Cloud Computing and Mobile Development, tend to have higher salaries. According to sources such as Glassdoor, LinkedIn and BLS (for the US), the average salary for IT professionals in Brazil ranges from R$ 48,000 to R$ 144,000 per yeardepending on the level of the position:
- Junior level: R$ 30,000 to R$ 60,000
- Full Level: R$ 60,000 to R$ 96,000
- Senior level: Above R$ 96,000
The salaries for IT professionals in the United States are on average higher than in Brazil. Remuneration is influenced by factors such as geographical location, company size, level of experience and demand for certain skills.
The average salary range is between US$ 80,000 to US$ 150,000 per year depending on the level of the position:
- Junior level: US$ 60,000 to US$ 90,000
- Full Level: US$ 90,000 to US$ 120,000
- Senior level: Above US$120,000
Please note that the figures presented are estimates based on the sources presented and may vary over the years (and after the publication of this content).
It is also important to consider the cost of living in each country when comparing salaries. The cost of living in the USA, especially in big cities, is generally higher than in Brazil.
3. Benefits offered
The benefits offered by IT companies in Brazil include:
- Transport vouchers
- Meal vouchers
- Health insurance
- Dental plan
- Life Insurance
- Profit sharing
Some companies also offer more innovative benefits, such as gym memberships, language courses, discounts on courses and/or degrees and wellness programs.
The benefits offered by IT companies in the United States are generally more robust and include:
- Health insurance
- Dental plan
- 401(k): a type of retirement plan
- Company shares
- Continuing Education Programs
The benefits offered to IT professionals do not follow a rigid pattern and can vary significantly between companies, sectors and even countries. The range of benefits is quite broad and is constantly evolving in order to attract and retain talent.
4. Average age
The average age of IT professionals in Brazil is relatively youngwith many professionals entering the market after graduation. The age range of IT professionals in the United States, on the other hand, is more diverse. diversewith a significant presence of more experienced professionals.
Cultural and market differences
In addition to the differences presented, it is also worth highlighting some differences in Corporate Culture, Labor Market and Trends between the countries.
Culture and mentality
The corporate cultures of IT companies can vary significantly between the two countries. Relevant factors in this scenario include:
- Innovation: The United States is traditionally seen as a cradle of technological innovation, with a strong incentive for entrepreneurship and the creation of startups. In Brazil, although the culture of innovation is on the rise, there is still room for growth.
- Focus on the customer: American companies are generally more customer-oriented, constantly looking for innovative solutions to meet their needs. In Brazil, this focus is developing, but there is still room for improvement.
Job market
The IT job market in the United States offers a greater number of opportunities for specialization and professional growth. In Brazil, the market is constantly expanding, but there is still a shortage of professionals in some areas.
It is also important to consider:
- Size and diversity: The US IT market is significantly larger and more diverse, with a wide range of companies, from startups to large corporations. Brazil, although growing, still has a smaller number of companies.
- Demand for professionals: Demand for IT professionals is high in both countries, but the areas in greatest demand may vary. In the United States, the search for AI professionals grew by 35%, according to Data Center Dynamics.
North American companies tend to adopt new technologies more quickly than those in Brazil. This is due to various factors, such as greater investment in research and development and greater access to capital.
In this scenario, we also have areas in both countries that are gaining ground and attention. These are
- Focus on the cloud: Cloud computing is a strong trend in both countries, but in the United States adoption is more widespread and mature.
- Cybersecurity: With the increase in cyber attacks, cybersecurity is an area of great importance in both countries.
IT job opportunities in the USA for Brazilians
The IT market in the United States offers many opportunities for Brazilian professionals, especially those with high qualifications and a command of English.
However, it is important to be prepared for competition and cultural differences.
7 Tips to stand out in the US IT market
To stand out in the US IT market, Brazilian professionals must:
- Improve your English: O command of English is essential for communicating with coworkers and clients.
- Look for international certifications: Certifications such as those from Cisco, Microsoft and CompTIA are highly valued in the American market.
- Develop skills in high-demand areas: Investing in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Software Development can increase your chances of getting a good job.
- Keep up to date: The IT area is dynamic, so it’s essential to always be up to date on the latest technologies and market trends.
- Build a network of contacts: Join online and offline groups related to IT, attend events and network.
- Demonstrate your projects: Create a portfolio (in English if possible) with your personal and professional projects to demonstrate your skills.
IT areas with the highest demand:
- Software development: Developers of various languages (Python, Java, JavaScript, etc.) are highly sought after.
- Data science: Professionals with skills in data analysis, machine learning and artificial intelligence are increasingly valued.
- Software engineering: Software engineers are responsible for designing, developing and testing complex software systems.
- Cybersecurity: With the increase in cyber attacks, the demand for cybersecurity professionals is also growing.
- Cloud computing: Cloud computing specialists are essential for managing cloud infrastructures.
The IT market in the United States offers a wider range of opportunities and more competitive salaries, but requires a high level of qualification and cultural adaptation.
For Brazilian professionals who want to stand out in this market, it is essential to invest in their professional development and always keep up to date with the latest technological trends.