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Mainframe Application Development Jobs in Chicago, IL

The position will require significant interaction with Business Users and Application Development team in addition to working with other IBM Mainframe support groups such as Operating System Data ...

Mainframe Programmer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$100K - $110K/yr

... development and testing of the system • Design basic and detailed program specifications while ensuring that expected application performance levels are achieved by managing interfaces, service ...

... application development and non-functional teams * Offer creative solutions to solve complex ... Understanding of cloud, distributed, microservice, mainframe and desk top based technology (AWS ...

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Mainframe Application Development information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$10

$50

$68

How much do mainframe application development jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 5, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe application development in Chicago, IL is $50.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44.81 and $58.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is mainframe developer a good career?

Mainframe application development is a stable career with high demand in industries like finance and government that rely on legacy systems. It requires knowledge of languages such as COBOL and tools like JCL, and offers opportunities for specialization and certification. The role often involves working with large-scale, mission-critical systems and can provide long-term job security.

Can AI replace mainframe?

Mainframe application development involves maintaining and updating large-scale, mission-critical systems. While AI can assist with tasks like code analysis and automation, it is unlikely to fully replace mainframe developers, as expertise in legacy systems, security, and complex business logic remains essential. AI tools are more likely to augment rather than replace the role of mainframe application developers.

What is mainframe application development?

Mainframe application development involves creating and maintaining software applications that run on large-scale mainframe computers, often using languages like COBOL, PL/I, or Assembler. Developers in this field focus on building reliable, secure, and high-performance systems for enterprise operations, frequently working with legacy systems and mainframe-specific tools such as JCL and CICS.

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

AspectMainframe Application DevelopmentMainframe Systems Analyst
Primary RoleDesigning, coding, and testing mainframe applicationsAnalyzing, designing, and supporting mainframe systems and processes
Skills & CertificationsCOBOL, JCL, DB2, certifications in mainframe developmentCOBOL, JCL, system analysis, certifications in systems analysis
Work EnvironmentDevelopment teams, coding environments, project-basedOperations teams, system support, troubleshooting
Industry UsageFinancial services, insurance, government agenciesFinancial institutions, healthcare, government agencies

While both roles work within mainframe environments, Mainframe Application Developers focus on creating and maintaining applications, whereas Mainframe Systems Analysts analyze and support existing systems and processes. Both roles require similar skills and certifications but serve different functions within mainframe operations.

What is the salary of a mainframe developer?

The salary of a mainframe application developer typically ranges from $70,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Senior developers with specialized skills in COBOL, JCL, or mainframe tools may earn higher salaries, especially in industries like finance and government. Compensation can also include benefits such as bonuses and retirement plans.
What are popular job titles related to Mainframe Application Development jobs in Chicago, IL? For Mainframe Application Development jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Mainframe Application Development jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Mainframe Application Development jobs in Chicago, IL are:
Microfocus Consultant

Contractor

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Company Description

Arete Technologies, Inc. offers set of innovative Consulting and Outsourcing services, bridging the gap between requirements and outputs of various dexterous and facile companies worldwide. The thrust of providing global deliverables with focus on providing paramount and unsurpassed services combined with cost saving solutions to the clients
We understand the business requirements in the present day corporate scenario and aspire to provide world-class services enabling the organization to burgeon and flourish while keeping the work-life balance intact. The Global delivery mechanism followed at Arete Technologies, Inc. saddles proficient schemas and unconventional channels to provide one-stop solutions for all your workforce needs.
our Team is an exquisite amalgamation of vast experiences of over 30 years in IT Consulting and Staffing industry. Connoisseurs in the field of staff augmentation for IT, we operate on 24 by 7 model with an aim of providing affordable and adept professionals with an assurance of satisfaction for both Consultants and Clients.
We are pre-eminent service providers in the field of staff augmentation, IT Consultancy, Software development, Web Development providing unexcelled services and focusing on both the employers and employees.

Job Description

Job Description:

Experience between 10 and 15 years having the below expertise.

Proficient and Hands on Experience on Microfocus Enterprise Server on Windows, Microfocus Enterprise Developer on Windows and Visual Studio

Must have experience on Rehosting Mainframe Application from COBOL DB2 environment to Microfocus Enterprise Server and SQL Server

Must have good understanding of Mainframe - COBOL, JCL, PROC, VSAM and GDG, etc to think through the Solution on Microfocus and be able to review or advice team

Must have Overall experience in rehosting legacy applications using Microfocus Enterprise Server with insight to areas such as Scheduler migration, Printer Migration, Data Migration, Security Rules Migration and participate in Cut Over planning.

Possess Aptitude and Analytical skills and Good team Player

Own some of the areas such as Printer migration to understand the proposed solution, work with the Print Vendor chosen by Customer, evaluate a number of changes to be done to migrated code or to Enterprise Server settings and drive the Testing of solution

Be able to work with various teams and understand the connectivity for all interfaces and impact or change points required on Microfocus Server

Desirable skills

o Knowledge on different interface like FTP, FTPs, sFTP, Db2 Connect

o CICS Web Services on Mainframes and Microfocus Enterprise Server

o Knowledge of LRS VPSX and Page Center and Info Print Manager. Knowledge of printing of reports on Microfocus Server in general

o Knowledge of ACF2 to Active Directory Migration

o Knowledge on CA7 to any different schedule on Microfocus

o Knowledge on Version control mechanism - SVN, Team Forge and/or similar products

o Windows Scripting knowledge and REXX to do some ad-hoc one-time processes for cut Over

Qualifications

Local candidates will be preferred first

Additional Information

Best Regards,


Paramjot Singh