Senior RPG Developer - Contract Our client is a leader in their industry and has been headquartered in Cincinnati for over 75 years. They are stable, profitable and offer a friendly culture with very ...
Senior RPG Developer - Contract Our client is a leader in their industry and has been headquartered in Cincinnati for over 75 years. They are stable, profitable and offer a friendly culture with very ...
Contract Rpg Programmer information
See Cincinnati, OH salary details
$31.7K - $40.1K
6% of jobs
$40.1K - $48.5K
0% of jobs
$48.5K - $57K
0% of jobs
$57K - $65.4K
2% of jobs
$65.4K - $73.8K
10% of jobs
$79.4K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$73.8K - $82.2K
9% of jobs
The median wage is $89.6K / yr.
$82.2K - $90.7K
25% of jobs
$90.7K - $99.1K
19% of jobs
$101K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$99.1K - $107.5K
14% of jobs
$107.5K - $115.9K
8% of jobs
$115.9K - $124.4K
6% of jobs
$31.7K
$89.7K
$124.4K
How much do contract rpg programmer jobs pay per year?
As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for contract rpg programmer in Cincinnati, OH is $89,654.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,200.00 and $102,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.
What Does a Contract RPG Programmer Do?
Report Program Generator (RPG) is a proprietary programming language from IBM for developing business applications. A contract RPG programmer creates and customizes applications for businesses and writes codes using the RPG language on a contract basis, either for short-term or long-term projects. As a contract RPG programmer, your job duties include determining what your client needs and expects from the application, testing new or existing code to meet those expectations, and debugging applications before configuring them for use on a company’s computer network. You also suggest development strategies for new applications and train staff on how to use the new software and applications when necessary.
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Contract RPG Programmer, and why are they important?
To thrive as a Contract RPG Programmer, you need strong expertise in IBM RPG programming languages (including RPG IV and free-format RPG), experience with IBM iSeries (AS/400) environments, and a background in software development. Familiarity with tools like Rational Developer for i, SQL, CL programming, and source control systems is typically required. Excellent problem-solving, communication, and time management skills help contract programmers effectively interact with clients and deliver projects on tight deadlines. These skills ensure reliable, efficient development of business applications and successful collaboration in dynamic project-based settings.
What are some common challenges faced by contract RPG programmers when working with new clients or legacy codebases?
Contract RPG programmers often encounter challenges such as quickly adapting to unfamiliar legacy code, understanding existing business logic, and integrating new features without disrupting current systems. Communication with clients to clarify requirements and expectations is also key, as documentation can sometimes be limited or outdated. Building rapport with in-house teams and effectively managing project timelines are essential skills to ensure smooth collaboration and project success.
What is a Contract RPG Programmer?
A Contract RPG Programmer is a software developer who is hired on a temporary or project basis to work with RPG (Report Program Generator) programming, typically on IBM i (AS/400) systems. They are responsible for designing, coding, maintaining, and troubleshooting applications written in the RPG language. Contract RPG Programmers often work with businesses that need short-term support for legacy systems, upgrades, or specific projects, rather than hiring a full-time employee. Their expertise is valuable for companies looking to maintain or enhance their IBM i environments efficiently.
What is the difference between Contract Rpg Programmer vs Contract Java Developer?
| Aspect | Contract Rpg Programmer | Contract Java Developer |
|---|---|---|
| Required Credentials | Experience with RPG language, certifications in legacy systems | Java certifications, computer science degree |
| Work Environment | Legacy systems, mainframe or IBM i environments | Modern web and enterprise applications |
| Employer & Industry Usage | Financial institutions, manufacturing, legacy system maintenance | Tech companies, startups, enterprise software |
| Common Search & Comparison | Often compared for legacy vs modern programming roles | Popular comparison for enterprise software developers |
The Contract Rpg Programmer typically works with legacy IBM i systems using RPG language, focusing on maintaining and updating existing applications. In contrast, a Contract Java Developer works on modern enterprise applications using Java, often in web or mobile environments. While both roles require programming skills, their environments, tools, and industry focus differ significantly.
More about Contract Rpg Programmer jobs
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Job description
Senior RPG Developer - Contract
Our client is a leader in their industry and has been headquartered in Cincinnati for over 75 years. They are stable, profitable and offer a friendly culture with very little turnover.
They are seeking a Senior RPG Developer to be responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining applications built using RPG FreeForm and ILE on the IBM i (AS/400) platform. The Senior RPG Developer will be part of a team of four senior level developers who are supporting and maintaining legacy RPG applications during implementation of multiple newly purchased package software applications. They will assist with maintenance and any newly requested modications of existing RPG applications as well as assist with data migration to new platforms.
The ideal candidate has deep technical expertise, strong problemsolving skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively with business and IT stakeholders.
This is a contract position expected to last a minimum of two to three years while they move to a new package. Must be on site four days per week in Cincinnati offices. Must be able to work full cycle and work well with other developers and members of the business community.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, develop, enhance, and maintain applications utilizing RPG ILE, FreeForm RPG
- Visual RPG ASNA maintenance of legacy systems
- Analyze business requirements and translate into technical solutions
- Troubleshoot, debug, and resolve application issues
- Participate in system modernization initiatives, integrations, and performance tuning
- Collaborate closely with analysts, developers, and business users
- Maintain technical documentation and follow development standards
Required Qualifications
- Minimum 10 years of handson experience developing applications using RPG
- Strong experience with RPG IV / ILE RPG, CL, and DB2 for i
- Experience with RPG IV and III
- Expereince with Visual RPG ASNA or similar GUI front end
- Strong analytical, problemsolving, and debugging skills
- Excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively in an onsite team environment
- Must be willing to be on site four days per week in Cincinnati office