1

Mainframe Applications Developer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mainframe Developer

Westlake, TX · On-site

$47 - $60.50/hr

Develop and support applications using COBOL, JCL, CICS, DB2, VSAM, and Syncsort. * Analyze and ... mainframe applications with distributed systems. * Familiarity with CI/CD and DevOps practices.

New

Mainframe Developer

Malvern, PA · On-site

$48 - $61.75/hr

Our client is currently seeking a Mainframe Developer 1+ Year Contract Opportunity Malvern, PA ... Experience with debugging across front end applications thru to backend processes and data ...

New

Mainframe Developer

Jersey City, NJ · On-site

$51.25 - $65.75/hr

Mainframe Developer Work Location: Jersey City, NJ Duration: Long Term * 8+ years of experience in designing and developing Mainframe applications * Experience in COBOL (Modify existing programs to ...

Mainframe Developer

Wilmington, DE · On-site

$47.50 - $61.25/hr

VSAM, COBOL, DevOps * Design, code, test, and maintain mainframe applications using COBOL, JCL, DB2, IMS DB or DC, CICS, VSAM, and IBM MQ. * Develop and support batch and online processes, including ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Mainframe Applications Developer information

See salary details

$10

$48

$66

How much do mainframe applications developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe applications 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 a Mainframe Applications Developer?

A Mainframe Applications Developer is an IT professional who designs, develops, and maintains software applications that run on mainframe computers. Mainframes are powerful computing systems used by large organizations for critical applications, such as banking, insurance, and government systems. These developers typically work with programming languages like COBOL, JCL, and CICS, and ensure that mainframe applications are efficient, secure, and reliable. Their responsibilities also include troubleshooting issues, optimizing performance, and supporting system integration with modern technologies.

How does a Mainframe Applications Developer typically collaborate with business analysts and other IT teams during a project?

Mainframe Applications Developers regularly work with business analysts to clarify requirements, translate business needs into technical specifications, and ensure that solutions meet organizational objectives. They often participate in cross-functional meetings with infrastructure, quality assurance, and operations teams to coordinate deployments, troubleshoot issues, and optimize performance. Effective communication and collaboration are essential, as developers must align their code with broader system architectures and adhere to change management processes. This teamwork ensures smooth project delivery and ongoing system reliability.

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

AspectMainframe Applications DeveloperMainframe Systems Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science or related, certifications like IBM Certified DeveloperBachelor's in Computer Science, certifications like IBM Certified Specialist
Work EnvironmentDevelops and codes mainframe applications, often in COBOL or PL/IAnalyzes system requirements, designs solutions, and supports mainframe systems
Employer & Industry UsageFinancial institutions, government agencies, large corporationsSame industries, focusing on system analysis and optimization
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding development roles in mainframe environmentsUnderstanding analysis and support roles in mainframe systems

The Mainframe Applications Developer primarily focuses on coding and building mainframe applications, while the Mainframe Systems Analyst concentrates on analyzing, designing, and supporting mainframe systems. Both roles are essential in mainframe environments, often working together to ensure system efficiency and functionality.

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

To thrive as a Mainframe Applications Developer, you need strong programming skills in COBOL, JCL, and related legacy languages, along with a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with mainframe operating systems like IBM z/OS, database systems such as DB2, and tools like CICS or IMS is typically required, and certifications from IBM can be advantageous. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are vital soft skills for debugging complex code and collaborating with cross-functional teams. These skills and qualities are crucial to maintain, modernize, and ensure the reliability of mission-critical mainframe applications in large organizations.
More about Mainframe Applications Developer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Mainframe Applications Developer jobs? The most popular types of Mainframe Applications Developer jobs are:
What job categories do people searching Mainframe Applications Developer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Mainframe Applications Developer jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Mainframe Applications Developer jobs? For Mainframe Applications Developer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Mainframe Applications Developer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,800 per year, or $48.9 per hour.

Senior Mainframe Developer

TekGlobal

Jersey City, NJ • On-site

Other

Posted 6 days ago

New


Job description

Job Title: Senior Mainframe Develope

Location: New York City, NY/ Jersey City, NJ – 4 Days onsite role

Role Overview: We are seeking a Senior Mainframe Developer with strong expertise in COBOL, JCL, and Control-M/CCS (or similar scheduling systems) to support critical enterprise applications. The role involves code screening, analysis/scraping, enhancement, and development on legacy mainframe systems, along with participation in modernization and integration efforts.

This individual will play a key role in maintaining high-performance, stable mainframe applications while contributing to system improvements and integration initiatives.


Key Responsibilities

  • Perform code screening, analysis, and scraping of existing mainframe applications to identify dependencies, inefficiencies, and improvement opportunities
  • Design, develop, test, and maintain COBOL-based applications
  • Develop and manage JCL jobs, including batch processing and scheduling workflows
  • Work with CCS / Control-M / enterprise scheduling systems for job automation and monitoring
  • Analyze legacy code and contribute to modernization strategies
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support integration with distributed systems or APIs
  • Troubleshoot production issues, identify root causes, and implement fixes
  • Ensure adherence to coding standards, performance guidelines, and security practices
  • Document technical specifications, code changes, and system workflows
  • Support QA/UAT cycles and deployment activities

Required Skills & Qualifications

  • 8+ years of experience in Mainframe development
  • Strong hands-on experience with:
    • COBOL
    • JCL (Job Control Language)
    • Mainframe utilities (VSAM, DB2, CICS – as applicable)
  • Experience with CCS / Control-M / similar job scheduling tools
  • Experience with DB2, CICS transaction processing
  • Proven experience in code analysis, reverse engineering, and refactoring legacy systems
  • Strong debugging and problem-solving skills
  • Familiarity with batch processing and high-volume transaction systems
  • Ability to work independently and in a team-oriented environment

Nice-to-Have Skills

  • Basic understanding of system integration concepts (APIs, middleware, web services)
  • Exposure to mainframe modernization initiatives
  • Familiarity with distributed systems or cloud integration
  • Knowledge of DevOps practices for mainframe environments