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Ibm Mainframe System Administration Jobs (NOW HIRING)

IT America Inc

IBM Mainframe Administrator

Madison, WI · Remote

System Management: Oversee the installation, configuration, and maintenance of mainframe hardware ... IBM zSeries, z/OS, z/VM, z/Linux Storage & Backup: DFSMS, HSM, SRDF, Tape Backup, VTS, DataMover ...

Saige Partners

Mainframe Developer

Davenport, IA · On-site

$46.50 - $59.75/hr

Provide expertise and guidance on Mainframe system architecture and codebase. Qualifications: Extensive hands-on experience with IBM Mainframe, COBOL, JCL, and PL/1 code. Proven track record of ...

NewGen Technologies

$55 - $70/hr

... Security Administration, and System Automation support. Other day-to-day activities include ... stabilized IBM mainframe system environment * Experience with SMP/E and Mainframe Software ...

NewGen

Mainframe z/OS System Programmer

$56.25 - $71.75/hr

... Security Administration, and System Automation support. Other day-to-day activities include ... stabilized IBM mainframe system environment * Experience with SMP/E and Mainframe Software ...

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 with a focus on CICS. The role involves ensuring ...

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How much do ibm mainframe system administration jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for ibm mainframe system administration in the United States is $51.13, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46.63 and $64.42 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do mainframe system administrators make?

Mainframe system administrators typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in IBM z/OS and related tools can earn higher salaries, especially in large organizations or high-demand markets.

What does a mainframe system administrator do?

A mainframe system administrator manages and maintains IBM mainframe systems, ensuring their availability, security, and performance. They configure hardware and software, monitor system operations, troubleshoot issues, and implement updates, often using tools like z/OS and related utilities. Strong knowledge of system security, backups, and disaster recovery is essential in this role.

What are some typical challenges faced by IBM Mainframe System Administrators, and how can they be addressed?

IBM Mainframe System Administrators often encounter challenges such as managing system performance, ensuring high availability, and keeping up with evolving security requirements. Balancing routine maintenance with urgent troubleshooting can be demanding, especially in large enterprise environments where uptime is critical. Staying current with the latest IBM z/OS updates and automation tools, as well as collaborating closely with application teams and network administrators, can help address these challenges effectively. Continuous learning and proactive monitoring are key to maintaining system stability and anticipating potential issues.

How much does IBM mainframe pay?

IBM Mainframe System Administrators typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in z/OS or automation may earn higher salaries. Compensation also varies based on the complexity of the mainframe environment and the employer's industry.

What is IBM Mainframe System Administration?

IBM Mainframe System Administration involves managing, configuring, and maintaining mainframe computer systems, such as IBM zSeries. Administrators are responsible for ensuring the reliability, availability, and security of mainframe environments, which are critical for large enterprises. Their duties include system monitoring, performance tuning, software installation, backup and recovery, and troubleshooting hardware or software issues. Mainframe system administrators often work with operating systems like z/OS and manage resources such as storage, networks, and user accounts.

How much do IBM system administrators make?

IBM mainframe system administrators typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in z/OS and related tools can earn higher salaries. Compensation also varies based on the complexity of the mainframe environment and the organization's size.

What is the difference between Ibm Mainframe System Administration vs Ibm Mainframe Network Administration?

AspectIbm Mainframe System AdministrationIbm Mainframe Network Administration
CertificationsIBM Certified System Administrator, z/OS certificationsNetwork certifications like Cisco CCNA, CCNP, IBM Network certifications
Work EnvironmentManaging mainframe hardware, OS, and system resourcesConfiguring and maintaining network connectivity and security
Employer & Industry UsageFinancial, government, and large enterprises with mainframe systemsOrganizations requiring robust network infrastructure alongside mainframes

While both roles work within mainframe environments, Ibm Mainframe System Administrators focus on managing the mainframe's hardware and operating systems, whereas Ibm Mainframe Network Administrators handle network connectivity and security. Both roles often collaborate but require different skill sets and certifications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an IBM Mainframe System Administrator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an IBM Mainframe System Administrator, you need a solid understanding of z/OS operating systems, JCL (Job Control Language), and mainframe hardware, typically supported by a degree in computer science or related field. Familiarity with IBM utilities, RACF security, SMP/E, and system monitoring tools like IBM System Automation is often required, along with relevant IBM certifications. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills for troubleshooting and collaborating with IT teams. These skills and qualities ensure system reliability, data security, and efficient operations in mission-critical enterprise environments.
More about Ibm Mainframe System Administration jobs
What job categories do people searching Ibm Mainframe System Administration jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Ibm Mainframe System Administration jobs are:
Infographic showing various Ibm Mainframe System Administration job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% Full Time, 63% Part Time, 31% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,357 per year, or $51.1 per hour.

Mainframe System Maintenance & Administration Engineer

Princeton IT Services

New York, NY • On-site

Contractor

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Mainframe System Maintenance & Administration Engineer

Location: New York,NY

Employment Type: Contract

Job Summary

We are looking for a skilled Mainframe System Maintenance & Administration Engineer to manage and support enterprise mainframe environments. The role involves ensuring system availability, performance optimization, security compliance, and smooth execution of batch and online workloads in a z/OS environment.

Key Responsibilities

  • Perform day-to-day administration and maintenance of mainframe systems (z/OS)
  • Monitor system performance, capacity, and availability; take proactive measures to optimize performance
  • Execute system upgrades, apply patches (PTFs), and maintain system software
  • Manage and troubleshoot batch jobs using scheduling tools like Control-M or CA-7
  • Handle dataset allocation, storage management, and backup/recovery processes
  • Administer security through RACF, including user access control and auditing
  • Support and maintain core subsystems such as CICS, DB2, and IMS
  • Diagnose and resolve system issues, abends, and performance bottlenecks
  • Develop and maintain JCL and REXX scripts for automation and job processing
  • Participate in disaster recovery planning, testing, and execution
  • Maintain documentation for system configurations, procedures, and processes
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support business-critical applications

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, IT, or a related field
  • 5+ years of experience in mainframe system administration or support
  • Strong knowledge of z/OS operating system
  • Hands-on experience with JCL and mainframe utilities
  • Experience with job scheduling tools (Control-M, CA-7)
  • Knowledge of RACF or equivalent security tools
  • Familiarity with CICS, DB2, or IMS environments
  • Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with REXX scripting or automation tools
  • Knowledge of system monitoring tools (OMEGAMON, RMF)
  • Exposure to disaster recovery and high availability environments
  • IBM Mainframe certifications are a plus

Key Skills

  • Mainframe System Administration
  • z/OS Maintenance & Support
  • JCL & REXX
  • Performance Monitoring & Tuning
  • RACF Security Administration
  • Batch Processing & Scheduling  
  • Incident & Problem Management