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Contract Mainframe Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

COBOL Developer

Des Moines, IA ยท On-site

$49 - $66.25/hr

Contract (W2/C2C) Job Overview: We are seeking a seasoned COBOL Developer with 6+ years of experience in mainframe application development and support . The ideal candidate should have strong ...

Network Operations Team Manager

Des Moines, IA ยท On-site

$120K - $130K/yr

... mainframe/platform administration, and/or enterprise information technology security; performs ... Vendor & Contract Management - Manage relationships with service providers, ensuring contract ...

Contract Mainframe information

See Iowa salary details

$9

$50

$67

How much do contract mainframe jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract mainframe in Iowa is $50.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44.23 and $56.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Are mainframe jobs in demand?

Mainframe jobs remain in demand due to the continued reliance of large organizations on legacy systems for critical operations. Skills in COBOL, JCL, and mainframe security are valuable, and many companies seek experienced professionals to maintain and modernize their mainframe environments.

What contract job pays the most?

Contract mainframe jobs tend to pay the highest among contract IT roles due to specialized skills in COBOL, JCL, and mainframe environments. Senior positions with extensive experience and certifications can earn over $100 per hour, especially in financial services and government sectors. High-paying roles often require security clearances and knowledge of legacy systems.

What is a Contract Mainframe job?

A Contract Mainframe job involves working on mainframe computer systems under a temporary or project-based contract. Professionals in this role typically handle tasks such as system maintenance, COBOL programming, database management, and performance optimization. These roles are common in industries like banking, healthcare, and government, where legacy mainframe systems are critical. Contractors may work remotely or on-site, depending on the employer's needs.

What kinds of projects or responsibilities are common for Contract Mainframe professionals?

Contract Mainframe professionals are often brought in to support or upgrade legacy mainframe systems, handle batch processing jobs, develop and maintain COBOL programs, or assist with system integration initiatives. These roles typically involve troubleshooting critical issues, optimizing system performance, and working closely with other IT and business teams to ensure that mainframe operations align with organizational goals. Contractors may also be involved in mainframe migrations to modern platforms or data center consolidations. The work environment is often fast-paced and project-driven, requiring adaptability to rapidly changing requirements and timelines.

Will the mainframe be replaced by AI?

Mainframe professionals, such as Contract Mainframe specialists, work with large-scale enterprise systems that require stability and security. While AI and automation tools are increasingly used to optimize mainframe operations, they are generally seen as complementary rather than replacements, and mainframe skills remain in demand for maintaining critical legacy systems. Knowledge of programming languages like COBOL and familiarity with mainframe environments are valuable in this evolving landscape.

What tech jobs pay $400,000 a year?

High-level contract mainframe roles, especially those involving specialized skills in COBOL, Assembler, or mainframe architecture, can reach or exceed $400,000 annually, often due to their scarcity and critical business functions. These positions typically require extensive experience, certifications, and the ability to work in complex, high-stakes environments, sometimes with contract or consulting arrangements that offer premium compensation.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Contract Mainframe position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Contract Mainframe professional, you need strong experience in mainframe technologies such as COBOL, JCL, CICS, and DB2, supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with tools like IBM z/OS, TSO/ISPF, and debugging or performance analysis software, as well as certifications like IBM Certified System Programmer, are highly beneficial. Excellent problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and adaptability stand out in this role due to the dynamic nature of contract engagements. These competencies are crucial for efficiently maintaining legacy systems, ensuring business continuity, and collaborating with IT and business stakeholders.

What are the most commonly searched types of Mainframe jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Mainframe jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Contract Mainframe jobs in Iowa? For Contract Mainframe jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Contract Mainframe jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Mainframe jobs in Iowa are:
Infographic showing various Contract Mainframe job openings in Iowa as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 50% In-person, and 50% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $104,283 per year, or $50.1 per hour.

COBOL Developer

Marshall Technologies

Des Moines, IA โ€ข On-site

$49 - $66.25/hr

Contractor

Posted 14 days ago


Job description

Job Title: COBOL Developer

Location: Des Moines, IA (Onsite)
Duration: 12+ Months
Type: Contract (W2/C2C)

Job Overview:

We are seeking a seasoned COBOL Developer with 6+ years of experience in mainframe application development and support. The ideal candidate should have strong expertise in COBOL, JCL, DB2, and related legacy technologies. This role involves working closely with business analysts, QA teams, and other developers to maintain, enhance, and support critical business applications.

Key Responsibilities:
  • Design, develop, test, implement, and support mainframe-based applications using COBOL, JCL, DB2, VSAM, and CICS.

  • Translate application storyboards and use cases into functional programs.

  • Analyze business and functional requirements and convert them into scalable technical solutions.

  • Participate in the full software development life cycle including requirements gathering, design, development, testing, and implementation.

  • Troubleshoot and resolve issues in production and development environments.

  • Write clean, efficient, reusable, and well-documented code.

  • Perform performance tuning, code optimization, and debugging.

  • Participate in code reviews, testing activities, and contribute to automation and best practices.

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure quality and timely delivery of solutions.

Required Skills & Qualifications:
  • 6+ years of hands-on experience in COBOL, JCL, DB2, VSAM, and CICS.

  • Experience with mainframe job scheduling and change management tools (e.g., Endevor).

  • Strong knowledge of SQL, data structures, and relational database principles.

  • Experience in reporting/analytics using mainframe tools and processes.

  • Solid understanding of scalable application design principles and software engineering best practices.

  • Familiarity with ServiceNow, Eclipse, DB Visualizer, or Microsoft SQL Server is a plus.

  • Excellent problem-solving and debugging skills.

  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Attributes:
  • Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.

  • Strong organizational and documentation skills.

  • Experience in production support and handling critical business applications.

Tools & Technologies:
  • Languages: COBOL, JCL, SQL

  • Databases: DB2, VSAM

  • Transaction Processing: CICS

  • Version Control & Change Management: Endevor

  • Tools/Software: ServiceNow, Eclipse, DB Visualizer, MS SQL Server