min. readDemand for data professionals has never been higher. As companies scale their digital transformation efforts, roles like data scientists, ML engineers, data engineers, and AI specialists continue to grow in demand.
Concurrently, new roles emerge to tackle the increasing complexity of data-driven decision-making. Yet, a tightening global talent market is making hiring and retaining top talent harder than ever.
With this in mind, this blog explores the shifting landscape of data jobs in 2025, the roles shaping the industry, and why LATAM has become a key strategic hub for companies looking to scale their data teams efficiently.
2025 and Beyond: The Tech Shift Driving Data Jobs Demand
In a short timeframe, the evolution of cloud computing, big data platforms, and AI-powered analytics has simplified how businesses collect, store and process vast amounts of data. As Bernard Marr puts it, advanced analytics tools that were once exclusive to specialists are now accessible to a broader audience. This democratization of data analytics is accelerating innovation across many fields, including healthcare, finance, business intelligence, and the list goes on.
The numbers speak for themselves:
- Statista estimates that global data volume will reach 181 zettabytes by 2025, nearly three times the amount generated in 2020.
- The global big data and analytics industry is projected to grow at a CAGR of 14.9% between 2024 and 2032, reaching $1.088 trillion by 2032.
A Glimpse into the 2025 Data Job Market
The tech industry embraced the fresh year with renewed hiring optimism. After a stormy period marked by layoffs, post-pandemic shifts, and changes in response to AI developments, U.S. tech employment is projected to grow at twice the rate of the overall workforce, reaching 7.1 million jobs by 2034.
The Boom in Global Data Jobs
According to the World Economic Forum, tech-related roles remain among the most in-demand and are projected to continue expanding through 2030. Their 2025 Future of Jobs report highlights AI, big data, and cybersecurity as the leaders in these fields. Moreover, Indeed Hiring Lab reports that AI and data-related job postings grew by 42% in 2024, with demand expected to remain strong throughout 2025.
Expanding Global Hiring
More than ever, engineering leaders are looking beyond domestic borders to build their teams. Research shows that 81% of U.S. tech executives plan to hire internationally in 2025—up from 73% in 2024.
What are the most sought-after data roles in 2025?
With data’s growing importance, which roles are becoming essential to ensure efficiency, security, and scalability?
The most in-demand roles include:
- Data Engineers – Experts in building and maintaining data pipelines, ensuring smooth data flow and integration.
- Data Scientists – Skilled in advanced analytics, machine learning, and predictive modeling.
- AI/ML Engineers – Focused on developing machine learning models and AI-driven solutions.
- Business Intelligence (BI) Analysts – Transform raw data into meaningful insights to drive business strategies.
- Cloud Data Architects – Design and manage cloud-based data solutions, ensuring scalability and security.
Although these roles have been around for a while—constantly adapting to industry shifts and new developments—as AI keeps evolving, new specialized data-driven roles will emerge.
In 2025, we can expect an increasing number of:
- Generative AI Specialists – Experts in developing and fine-tuning generative AI models for automation, content generation, and synthetic data applications.
- Data Privacy Officers—As the data ecosystem grows, concerns about data security are on the rise. These professionals specialize in security, data governance, compliance, and ethical AI usage.
- DataOps Specialists – Professionals who streamline data pipelines, ensure data quality, and optimize workflows for scalable and reliable data operations.
LATAM: A Strategic Answer to the Global Data Talent Shortage
As the demand for good data professionals outpaces the force, nearshoring to Latin America has become a crucial plan of action. For companies looking to grow their tech teams, this destination has a lot to offer.
The region is now a top destination for nearshoring, offering a highly skilled workforce, cost advantages, and a favorable business environment for companies expanding their tech teams. Let’s take a closer look.
A Highly Skilled and Expanding Talent Pool
LATAM tech talent stands out for combining strong technical expertise with cultural alignment for global teams.
The region produces over 450,000 tech graduates annually, with strong data science, AI, and cloud computing expertise. Countries like Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and Colombia lead the way with robust STEM education programs and thriving tech ecosystems. Even major tech players—including Google, AWS, and Microsoft—have invested heavily in LATAM, creating AI training programs and innovation hubs to strengthen the region’s tech capabilities.
A Thriving Nearshoring Market
LATAM is increasingly critical in nearshoring, according to JPMorgan, as U.S. companies look to geographically close and less expensive but highly skilled talent. In their report on growth opportunities fueling nearshoring, they outline three factors driving the trend:
1. Increased Investments in the Region – American and European companies are expanding operations in LATAM, setting up service hubs, and hiring local professionals to save on costs while maintaining high-quality output.
2. Government Incentives – LATAM governments are rolling out tax benefits, funding programs, and regulatory reforms to attract foreign tech investments.
3. Industry Expansion — The growth of the technology, manufacturing, and energy sectors is strengthening LATAM’s economy and making it an attractive partner for U.S. businesses.
Mapping LATAM’s Tech Expansion
Let’s look deeper at the region’s landscape—where does it stand today?
Brazil has established itself as a leading tech hub in Latin America, steered by substantial investments and a thriving innovation ecosystem. In 2025, the country’s tech industry is experiencing a significant boom, with a projected 21% growth, creating around 800,000 new jobs in sectors like cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and cybersecurity.
Major tech companies are making substantial investments in the country. Not long ago, Microsoft announced a $2.7 billion investment over three years to enhance the country’s cloud infrastructure and AI capabilities. Similarly, Amazon Web Services (AWS) plans to invest $1.8 billion through 2034 to expand its data center operations.
Beyond Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and Colombia have also established themselves as fundamental players, each fostering innovation through government-backed initiatives and private-sector investments.
Additionally, Paraguay is gaining traction. The country has seen a 40% increase in foreign investment, with over 560 companies exploring opportunities in its startup ecosystem.
Strengthening Data Teams with Nearshoring
After this overview of LATAM’s current nearshoring landscape, it’s clear that, as global competition for data talent intensifies, nearshoring presents a scalable, cost-effective solution to build robust data teams, fill critical roles, and accelerate innovation.
Companies can benefit from:
- Faster access to specialized talent
- Cost efficiency without compromising quality
- Seamless collaboration and cultural alignment
As Pablo Meyer, co-founder and managing partner at Abstra, puts it:
“There’s more data out there than ever before, but turning it into real value? That’s where things get tricky. In my opinion, it’s not just about having data; it’s about having the right people. People who know how to make sense of it and use it to drive real decisions. Finding that talent isn’t always easy, but with the right hiring strategy, companies can build teams that don’t just collect data…”
Broadening Frontiers: How Abstra Can Help
The global tech talent shortage is a challenge—but not insurmountable. At Abstra, we connect businesses with top-tier LATAM professionals ready to take on complex projects and drive results. Contact us to explore how we can support your growth.