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Ibm Mainframe System Administration Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mainframe Engineer - IBM

Jacksonville, FL · On-site

$45.25 - $58.25/hr

Install, maintain, and upgrade system software and ISV software. Manage and support virtual tape ... Extensive expertise in IBM z/OS mainframe and related tools, including LPAR configuration, MQ ...

Contribute to system administration activities including dataset management and security-related ... Understanding of mainframe system administration concepts including dataset management and security

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Ibm Mainframe System Administration information

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

As of May 30, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 May 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Contract. Highlights an 75% In-person, and 25% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,357 per year, or $51.1 per hour.
IBM Mainframe Z/OS Systems Programmer

IBM Mainframe Z/OS Systems Programmer

West Advanced Technologies (WATI)

Downey, CA • On-site

$56.75 - $72.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

IBM Mainframe Z/OS Systems Programmer
Downey, CA
12 months

Required Skills:
The Consultant must meet all of the following minimum qualifications:
Five (5) years of experience in the last seven (7) years as a systems programmer using IBM's ServerPac/SHOPz/SMPe for installing, configuring, and updating the z/OS operating system and other system level software products on IBM Mainframe hardware in a Parallel Sysplex environment.
Five (5) years of experience in the last seven (7) years as a systems programmer developing IBM zSeries Coupling Facility structure definition and operation support to move structures for machine outages.
Five (5) years of experience in the last seven (7) years as a systems programmer working with IBM's z/OS Unix Systems Services (USS).
Five (5) years of experience in the last seven (7) years as a systems programmer defining hardware Input/Output configurations and IODEF using IBM's Hardware Configuration Definition (HCD) facility.
Five (5) years of experience in the last seven (7) years as a systems programmer configuring IBM Enterprise Server LPARs and System Time Protocol (STP) using IBM's Hardware Management Console (HMC).
Responsibilities:
The Consultant shall perform all of the following:
Install/Upgrade z/OS 2.3 to 2.4 using SMP/E and SHOPz.
Modify HCD/IODEF changes to support Z12BC to Z15 hardware upgrade.
Upgrade Z/OS third party tools to support Z/OS 2.4.
Setup and configure FTP to FTPS conversion changes on Z/OS end.
Define and maintain Sysplex, Coupling Facilities, HMC (Processor Interface), OSA (Networking Interface), ICC (Integrated Console Controller), FICON (Fiber connectivity to peripheral devices).
Implement IBM zSeries Coupling Facility structure definition and operation support to move structures for machine outages, FICON switch configuration and definition in HCD, Server Time Protocol (STP) configuration and operation.
Work on IBM's ISPF, JCL, SDSF, CLISTs, REXX execs, and TSO/E command processors to assist in the customization and usability of z/OS and program products.
Document all technical work, enhance existing documentation, and maintain all documentation in the Section's documentation repository.
Provide technical assistance to customers and Operations Division.
Provide z/OS troubleshooting, problem resolution and 24 x 7 x 365 on-call after hours and weekend support.
Regards
Naresh Damagalla
West Advanced Technologies, Inc
E: naresh.d@wati.com