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Freelance Remote Mainframe Developer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

System One

Senior Mainframe Engineer

Merrifield, VA · Remote

Senior Mainframe Engineer Location: remote Pay rate: open to W2 and established 1099s Position type: multiyear contract We are currently seeking a Senior Mainframe Programmer/Support Analyst with a ...

Space44

Engineer / Developer - Freelance (Remote)

Our unique approach ensures precise integration and high team performance in full-remote, nearshore ... You'll be among the first we reach out to when new freelance opportunities go live. Key ...

TriOptus LLC

Mainframe Networking Engineer - Remote

Tampa, FL · On-site +1

$46.25 - $59.50/hr

Job Code - Mainframe Networking Engineer Work Location - Remote Total Hours - Contract initially up until 11/20/2024 Description * This position is for Mainframe Networking (VTAM, TCPIP etc.) - the ...

Conexess Group

Mainframe CICS Engineer - 100% Remote

$50.25 - $64.50/hr

Conexess Group is seeking a detail-oriented CICS Mainframe Engineer to oversee the installation, maintenance, and support of IBM mainframe systems. This role focuses on ensuring efficient operation ...

System One

.NET Mainframe Developer

Vienna, VA · Remote

$50.25 - $64.50/hr

Remote Type: Contract Contractor Work Model: Remote Responsibilities * Design, develop, and enhance complex software applications supporting mission-critical, time-sensitive initiatives focused on ...

System One

.NET Mainframe Developer

Vienna, VA · Remote

$50.25 - $64.50/hr

Remote Type: Contract Contractor Work Model: Remote Responsibilities * Design, develop, and enhance complex software applications supporting mission-critical, time-sensitive initiatives focused on ...

Apex Informatics

Mainframe COBOL Developer

$50.25 - $64.50/hr

Mainframe Cobol Developer Location: REMOTE The need is for a right-to-hire development resource with hands on IBM zOS Connect development experience supplemented by mainframe experience with COBOL ...

System One

.NET Mainframe Developer

Vienna, VA · Remote

$50.25 - $64.50/hr

Remote Type: Contract Contractor Work Model: Remote Responsibilities * Design, develop, and enhance complex software applications supporting mission-critical, time-sensitive initiatives focused on ...

System One

.NET Mainframe Developer

Vienna, VA · Remote

$50.25 - $64.50/hr

Remote Type: Contract Contractor Work Model: Remote Responsibilities * Design, develop, and enhance complex software applications supporting mission-critical, time-sensitive initiatives focused on ...

System One

.NET Mainframe Developer

Vienna, VA · Remote

$50.25 - $64.50/hr

Remote Type: Contract Contractor Work Model: Remote Responsibilities * Design, develop, and enhance complex software applications supporting mission-critical, time-sensitive initiatives focused on ...

System One

.NET Mainframe Developer

Vienna, VA · Remote

$50.25 - $64.50/hr

Remote Type: Contract Contractor Work Model: Remote Responsibilities * Design, develop, and enhance complex software applications supporting mission-critical, time-sensitive initiatives focused on ...

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Freelance Remote Mainframe Developer information

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$10

$53

$72

How much do freelance remote mainframe developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for freelance remote mainframe developer in the United States is $53.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47.12 and $60.58 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Freelance Remote Mainframe Developer vs Freelance Remote COBOL Programmer?

AspectFreelance Remote Mainframe DeveloperFreelance Remote COBOL Programmer
CredentialsMainframe certifications, programming skillsCOBOL certifications, programming skills
Work EnvironmentMainframe systems, remote setupLegacy systems, remote setup
Industry UsageBanking, finance, insuranceBanking, government, insurance
Search IntentJobs involving mainframe developmentJobs focusing on COBOL programming

Both roles involve working with legacy mainframe systems remotely, often requiring similar certifications and industry experience. The main difference is that a Freelance Remote Mainframe Developer may handle broader development tasks, while a Freelance Remote COBOL Programmer specializes specifically in COBOL coding within mainframe environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Freelance Remote Mainframe Developer, and why are they important?

A Freelance Remote Mainframe Developer typically needs expertise in mainframe programming languages (such as COBOL, JCL, and PL/I), database management, and systems analysis, often supported by a degree in computer science or related experience. Familiarity with mainframe environments like IBM z/OS, version control systems, and remote collaboration tools is common, along with relevant certifications such as IBM Certified System Programmer. Strong problem-solving skills, self-motivation, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for managing independent projects and client interactions remotely. These qualifications enable developers to deliver reliable, efficient solutions while meeting client expectations and maintaining legacy systems from a remote setting.

What is a Freelance Remote Mainframe Developer?

A Freelance Remote Mainframe Developer is a technology professional who specializes in developing, maintaining, and troubleshooting software applications on mainframe computer systems. Working on a freelance basis, they are not tied to a single employer and typically work with multiple clients, often from a remote location. Their responsibilities include coding, debugging, and upgrading legacy mainframe applications, ensuring system security and performance, and integrating mainframe systems with modern technologies. This role requires expertise in mainframe languages such as COBOL, JCL, and experience with databases like DB2. Remote work adds flexibility, allowing developers to collaborate with clients globally using digital communication tools.

How do Freelance Remote Mainframe Developers typically collaborate with on-site teams and stakeholders?

Freelance Remote Mainframe Developers usually work closely with on-site teams via digital communication tools such as video conferencing, project management platforms, and version control systems. Regular virtual meetings and clear documentation help ensure alignment on project requirements and timelines. It is common to coordinate with business analysts, QA testers, and other developers across different time zones, so strong communication skills and proactive status updates are essential for successful collaboration.
What cities are hiring for Freelance Remote Mainframe Developer jobs? Cities with the most Freelance Remote Mainframe Developer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Remote Mainframe Developer jobs? The most popular types of Remote Mainframe Developer jobs are:
What states have the most Freelance Remote Mainframe Developer jobs? States with the most job openings for Freelance Remote Mainframe Developer jobs include:
Freelance Remote Mainframe Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Freelance Remote Mainframe Developer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,026 per year, or $53.4 per hour.
CA-ADS Mainframe Developer - Contract - Remote

CA-ADS Mainframe Developer - Contract - Remote

SUNSHINE ENTERPRISE USA LLC

Columbia, SC • Remote

$45.25 - $58.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Mainframe COBOL Developer Location: Remote Interview Process: 1 round, phone Duration: 12 Months Employment Type: Contract Experience Required: 10+ Years Candidate location: No SC residency required. Candidate must reside in lower 48 states (Continental US) and comfortable working EST time zone hours. Project Scope: Seeking an experienced Mainframe COBOL Developer to support production Medicaid systems through application maintenance, enhancements, and production support activities.

The consultant will work on production backfill, small enhancement projects, and collaborate with development, QA, operations, and business teams to deliver reliable and high-quality solutions. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience with Mainframe technologies including COBOL, IDMS, and CA-ADS, with the ability to analyze technical specifications, implement coding changes, perform testing, and support production environments. This role also includes participation in an on-call support rotation.

Key Responsibilities: Develop and maintain Mainframe applications using COBOL, CA-ADS, and IDMS databases. Analyze technical and design specifications to implement application enhancements and production fixes. Debug, unit test, and integration test application changes.

Support Quality Assurance, User Acceptance Testing (UAT), and external testing by resolving defects and implementing required code changes. Collaborate with development, QA, operations, and business teams throughout the software development lifecycle. Maintain and support production Medicaid applications and related systems.

Participate in on-call production support on a rotational basis. Troubleshoot production issues and provide timely resolutions. Communicate technical solutions effectively with internal teams and stakeholders.

Follow established coding standards, documentation practices, and change management procedures. Required Skills & Experience: 10+ years of Mainframe development experience. 10+ years of MVS COBOL development experience.

10+ years of IDMS database experience. 10+ years of CA-ADS development experience. 5+ years of JCL experience.

Strong debugging, testing, and production support experience. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Strong analytical, problem-solving, and troubleshooting abilities.

Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced production environment. Preferred Skills: ChangeMan File-AID FootPrints SAS Medicaid systems experience Education High School Diploma or equivalent with 10+ years of experience in computer systems development and application maintenance.

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