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Mainframe Application Developer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mainframe Developer

Columbus, OH · On-site

$47.25 - $60.75/hr

Ensure application performance, scalability, and reliability by tuning SQL queries and optimizing ... Experience in mainframe modernization/migration projects. * Familiarity with DevOps practices ...

Mainframe Developer

Cleveland, OH · On-site

$47.50 - $61/hr

Local Preferred We are seeking a skilled Mainframe Application Support Engineer with strong expertise in Mainframe technologies (JCL, COBOL, DB2, CICS) and production support. The candidate will be ...

Mainframe Developer

Riverwoods, IL · On-site

$35 - $40/hr

Experience in mainframe application development and support (COBOL, JCL, DB2). * Experience in Unix/Linux scripting and backend integration. * Experience in production support and performance ...

Mainframe Developer

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$47.75 - $61.50/hr

Required : • 4+ years of experience in software, systems, or embedded engineering • 4+ years of experience in Mainframe application development (COBOL, JCL, DB2) • Experience with incident and ...

Be Seen First

Mainframe Application Support Location- Chandler, AZ or Des Moines, IA -Hybrid Duration- 18 Months ... Systems Operations Engineers to join a Mainframe Production Support team supporting critical ...

Mainframe Developer at Tampa, FL

Tampa, FL · On-site

$46.25 - $59.50/hr

Mainframe Developer Location: Tampa, FL Experience - 8+ Required Skills: 10+ years' Mainframe Application/COBOL development experience 7+ years' experience in CICS/DB2/VSAM/MQ application development ...

Mainframe Developer

Tulsa, OK · On-site

$44.75 - $57.50/hr

Required : • 4+ years of experience in software, systems, or embedded engineering • 4+ years of experience in Mainframe application development (COBOL, JCL, DB2) • Experience with incident and ...

Mainframe Developer

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$47 - $60.50/hr

Required : • 4+ years of experience in software, systems, or embedded engineering • 4+ years of experience in Mainframe application development (COBOL, JCL, DB2) • Experience with incident and ...

Mainframe Developer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$57.75 - $74.25/hr

Required : • 4+ years of experience in software, systems, or embedded engineering • 4+ years of experience in Mainframe application development (COBOL, JCL, DB2) • Experience with incident and ...

Mainframe Developer

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

$46.75 - $60.25/hr

Required : • 4+ years of experience in software, systems, or embedded engineering • 4+ years of experience in Mainframe application development (COBOL, JCL, DB2) • Experience with incident and ...

Mainframe Developer

Louisville, KY · On-site

$47 - $60.50/hr

Required : • 4+ years of experience in software, systems, or embedded engineering • 4+ years of experience in Mainframe application development (COBOL, JCL, DB2) • Experience with incident and ...

Mainframe Developer

Atlanta, GA

$47 - $60.50/hr

Mainframe Developer with DevOps Migration Location: Atlanta, GA, Maryland, MD Visa : OPT /STEM OPT ... The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in legacy application development, z/OS support ...

Sr. Mainframe Developer

Woodlawn, MD · On-site

$51 - $65.50/hr

Job Title- Sr. Mainframe Developer Project Location - Woodlawn, MD (5 days per week onsite ... Investigate and repair application defects related to business logic, middleware, or database (DB2)

Mainframe Sys Engineer

Columbus, OH

$51.50 - $65.50/hr

Mainframe Application Configuration & Automation Engineer Location: Columbus, OH 6+ Months Contract to hire Role Overview We are seeking a Mainframe Application Configuration & Build Specialist with ...

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Mainframe Application Developer information

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$10

$48

$66

How much do mainframe application developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe application developer in the United States is $48.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43.51 and $56.97 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Mainframe Application Developer vs Mainframe Systems Analyst?

AspectMainframe Application DeveloperMainframe Systems Analyst
Primary RoleDesigning, coding, and testing mainframe applicationsAnalyzing system requirements and optimizing mainframe processes
Skills & CertificationsCOBOL, JCL, DB2, certifications in mainframe developmentSystem analysis, troubleshooting, and documentation skills
Work EnvironmentDevelopment teams, coding in mainframe environmentsCollaborating with users and IT teams to improve systems
Industry UsageFinancial services, insurance, government agenciesSame industries, focusing on system analysis and process improvement

While both roles work within mainframe environments and require similar certifications, Mainframe Application Developers focus on creating and maintaining mainframe applications, whereas Mainframe Systems Analysts analyze and improve existing systems and processes. Both roles are essential in industries relying on mainframe technology, but their daily tasks and focus areas differ.

What are mainframe application developers?

Mainframe application developers are IT professionals who design, develop, maintain, and support software applications that run on mainframe computers. These specialists work with programming languages like COBOL, PL/I, or Assembler and use tools specific to mainframe environments such as IBM z/OS. Their responsibilities often include updating legacy systems, ensuring software reliability, and integrating mainframe applications with modern technologies. They play a crucial role in industries like banking, insurance, and government, where mainframes are essential for handling large-scale transaction processing.

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

To thrive as a Mainframe Application Developer, you need expertise in COBOL, JCL, DB2, and a solid understanding of mainframe operating systems, often backed by a degree in computer science or related fields. Familiarity with tools like IBM z/OS, TSO/ISPF, and version control systems such as Endevor is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication skills set successful developers apart in this role. These competencies are crucial for maintaining legacy systems, ensuring data integrity, and supporting critical business operations efficiently.

How does a Mainframe Application Developer typically interact with cross-functional teams in an organization?

Mainframe Application Developers often collaborate closely with business analysts, QA testers, and infrastructure teams to ensure applications meet business requirements and integrate smoothly with other systems. They participate in regular meetings to discuss project updates, troubleshoot issues, and clarify technical specifications. Effective communication is key, as developers may need to explain complex mainframe concepts to non-technical stakeholders and work with diverse teams to deliver high-quality, reliable software solutions.
More about Mainframe Application Developer jobs
What states have the most Mainframe Application Developer jobs? States with the most job openings for Mainframe Application Developer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Mainframe Application Developer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Mainframe Application Developer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Mainframe Application Developer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 7% Temporary, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,800 per year, or $48.9 per hour.

Senior Mainframe Developer

Purple Drive Technologies

Westlake, TX • On-site

Contractor

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

Overview:
Role: Senior Mainframe Developer
Location: Westlake, TX (Onsite)
Type: Contract-to-Hire (CTH)
Job Summary:
We are seeking an experienced Senior Mainframe Developer with strong expertise in COBOL, CICS, DB2, and JCL to join our dynamic team in Westlake, TX. The ideal candidate will be responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining scalable mainframe applications, driving performance optimization, and ensuring stability across enterprise systems.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Define, design, and lead mainframe application development projects to deliver scalable business solutions.
  • Develop, automate, and support mainframe applications using COBOL, CICS, DB2, JCL, VSAM, MQ-Series, and SQL.
  • Conduct performance tuning and capacity planning to reduce I/Os, CPU Time, MSUs, and MIPs using tools such as Strobe, iStrobe, and Platinum Detector.
  • Manage file formats, comparison, and versioning using File-AID and Endeavor.
  • Perform debugging and unit testing using Intertest and Abend-AID.
  • Schedule and monitor batch jobs using Control-M.
  • Collaborate with QA teams to ensure compliance with procedures, controls, and best practices.
  • Translate complex business requirements into efficient, maintainable code and solutions.
  • Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior developers within the team.
Required Skills & Experience:
  • 10+ years of hands-on experience in Mainframe application development and support.
  • Proven experience with COBOL, CICS, DB2, JCL, VSAM, MQ-Series, and SQL.
  • Strong background in Mainframe performance tuning and optimization.
  • Proficiency in File-AID, Endeavor, Intertest, Abend-AID, and Control-M.
  • Familiarity with MQ is a plus.
  • 7+ years of work history in Financial Services or Wealth Management domain preferred.
  • Solid understanding of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) - Analysis, Design, Development, Testing, and Production deployment.
  • Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
Education & Qualifications:
  • MCA / B.Tech / Any Graduate with 11-16 years of relevant experience.
Additional Details:
  • Work Mode: Onsite (Westlake, TX)
  • Type of Hire: Contract-to-Hire (CTH)
  • Experience Range: 10-16 Years