Why we built it
Hiring a developer in another country looks simple until the first payroll. Employer social security, 13th-month salaries, contribution caps, currency swings and the risk of treating an employee as a contractor can add tens of thousands of dollars a year to a salary. That information is usually scattered across government sites in different languages and vendor pages written to sell a product.
We bring it together in one place: a calculator that shows the base salary next to the true business cost, and guides that explain the rules behind the numbers.
What we cover
The calculator covers 8 talent markets (India, Brazil, Poland, Philippines, Mexico, Colombia, Vietnam, Ukraine) for companies based in 6 countries — 48 hiring corridors in total.
How we research and calculate
- Employer costs are modelled component by component — every pension, health, housing and payroll levy has its own rate, salary cap and threshold, rather than a single flat percentage.
- Rates are checked against official sources where available and against established payroll guides, and every figure has a listed source.
- Exchange rates are mid-market reference rates, last updated on 10 November 2026.
- Our calculations are covered by automated tests that compare the results with examples worked out by hand from the statutory rates.
- Rates were last reviewed in November 2026. Many countries change their caps and minimum wages in January and July.
Editorial independence and funding
The site is free to use and is funded by advertising. Advertisers have no influence over our figures, rankings or guides. If we ever add partner or referral links, we will label them clearly and explain them in our disclaimer.
Important
Our figures are planning estimates, not tax, legal or financial advice. Always confirm the details with a qualified local adviser or your payroll provider before you hire. Spotted something out of date? Tell us and we will check it.