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Mainframe Contractor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Analytica

z/OS Mainframe Programmer

Washington, DC · On-site +1

Analytica is seeking a remote z/OS Mainframe Programmer to support a long standing federal ... As a federal contractor, we comply with the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act ...

Infojini Inc

Mainframe Programmer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

Mainframe Programmer Duration: 12+ months Location: Raleigh, NC The NC Department of Transportation ... contractor assignment. The selected candidate will fill the role of Specialist on the State ...

asofttek

Mainframe Computer Operator

Washington, DC · On-site

Communicate with mainframe operating-system personnel and printer maintenance contractors when system or printer malfunctions occur. * Support Production Control personnel with operational activities.

HireITPeople

Developer, Mainframe Analyst

Trenton, NJ · On-site

... existing mainframe application code, write stored procedures, production support and create ... Contractor primarily will be involved in extracting business logic out of existing Programs and ...

InterSources Inc

Mainframe (Cobol) - Advanced

Wilmington, DE · On-site

$47.50 - $61.25/hr

... contractors, and vendors • Drives decisions that influence the product design, application ... Required : • Expert in Mainframe design technique as well as experience working across large ...

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Mainframe Contractor information

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How much do mainframe contractor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe contractor in the United States is $53.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47.12 and $60.58 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a mainframe contractor?

Mainframe Contractors are IT professionals who specialize in working with mainframe computer systems, typically on a contract or project basis. They are responsible for maintaining, developing, and troubleshooting mainframe applications and infrastructure, often for large organizations in industries like finance, insurance, and government. These contractors possess expertise in legacy programming languages such as COBOL, JCL, and Assembler, and may also handle system migrations, upgrades, or integrations. Their work helps ensure that mission-critical business operations relying on mainframe technology continue to run smoothly and securely.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a mainframe contractor?

To thrive as a Mainframe Contractor, you need expertise in mainframe programming languages such as COBOL, JCL, and Assembler, along with a solid understanding of batch processing and system architecture, typically supported by relevant IT degrees or certifications. Familiarity with mainframe environments like IBM z/OS, database systems like DB2, and tools such as TSO/ISPF and CICS is essential. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and effective communication help contractors collaborate with teams and address legacy system challenges. These skills ensure the continued reliability, security, and efficiency of mission-critical business operations that depend on mainframe technology.

What are some common challenges mainframe contractors face when joining new client projects?

Mainframe Contractors often encounter challenges such as quickly adapting to legacy systems with limited or outdated documentation, and understanding unique business logic embedded in long-standing codebases. They may also need to integrate with teams that have established workflows and bridge communication between technical and non-technical stakeholders. Proactive learning, asking clarifying questions, and leveraging prior experience with similar environments can help contractors overcome these obstacles and deliver value efficiently.

What is the difference between Mainframe Contractor vs Mainframe Developer?

AspectMainframe ContractorMainframe Developer
CredentialsTypically requires certifications like IBM Certified Specialist, relevant experienceRequires similar certifications and programming skills in COBOL, JCL
Work EnvironmentContract-based, project-specific, often freelance or temporary rolesFull-time employment within organizations, ongoing development
Employer & Industry UsageConsulting firms, IT service providers, large corporationsFinancial institutions, government agencies, insurance companies

In summary, a Mainframe Contractor is a temporary or freelance professional hired for specific projects, often working across multiple organizations. A Mainframe Developer is typically a full-time employee focused on developing and maintaining mainframe applications within a company. Both roles require similar skills and certifications but differ mainly in employment type and work arrangement.

What states have the most Mainframe Contractor jobs?

States with the most job openings for Mainframe Contractor jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Mainframe Contractor jobs?

For Mainframe Contractor jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Mainframe Contractor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,026 per year, or $53.4 per hour.

z/OS Mainframe Programmer

Washington, DC • On-site, Remote

Analytica
51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Analyticaexternal

Full-time

Medical, Retirement

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Analytica is seeking a remote z/OS Mainframe Programmerto support a long standing federal government project. The candidate will be responsible for designing and implementing dynamic solutions.
Analytica has been recognized by Inc. Magazine as a fastest-growing private US small business. We work with U.S. government customers in health, civilian, and national security missions. Analytica offers competitive compensation with opportunities for bonuses, employer paid health care, training and development funds, and 401k match.
Responsibilities include (but not limited to):
  • Develop, maintain, and enhance legacy mainframe applications that support IRS tax processing, compliance, and data management systems.
  • Write, test, and troubleshoot programs using Assembler, JCL, and related IBM z/OS utilities.
  • Monitor and manage batch jobs through SDSF and other system tools, ensuring timely and accurate processing.
  • Debug and resolve production issues, performing root-cause analysis and ensuring system stability.
  • Manage code changes and version control using Endevor in compliance with IRS change management procedures.
  • Transfer and integrate data across systems using FTP/SFTP and other mainframe file management tools.
  • Collaborate with business and technical teams to analyze requirements, design solutions, and implement enhancements.
  • Document system specifications, program logic, and procedures to support maintenance and knowledge transfer.
  • Ensure compliance with IRS security and data integrity standards, participating in audits and reviews as needed.
  • Contribute to modernization efforts, supporting integration of legacy systems with emerging technologies and improving overall system performance.

Basic Qualifications:
  • 5+ years of experience with Assembler Language programming and JCL
  • Experience with IBM z/OS, TSO/ISPF, SDSF, Endevor, and FTP/SFTP/Mainframe File Transfers
  • Strong debugging and troubleshooting skills using tools like IBM Debug Tool, FILE Manager, and SDSF
  • Understanding of QSAM access methods
  • Must be a US Citizen and have active IRS MBI Clearance

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Knowledge of Tax Processing Systems
  • Experience with SSA, SSAE, SSAF, or IDRS systems(specific IRS applications)
AboutANALYTICA:Analytica is a leading consulting and information technology solutions provider to public sector organizations supporting health, civilian, and national security missions. The company is an award winning SBA 8(a) small businessthat hasbeen recognized byInc. Magazineeach of the past three years as one of the 250 fastest-growingcompanies in theU.S. Analytica specializes in providing software and systems engineering, information management, analytics & visualization, agile project management, and management consulting services.The companyis appraised by theSoftware Engineering Institute (SEI) atCMMI® Maturity Level 3and is anISO 9001:2008 certifiedprovider.
Analytica LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. As a federal contractor, we comply with the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified protected veterans. We ensure that all employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and business needs. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind. Analytica LLC also provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.
To enhance efficiency, fairness, and accuracy, Analytica may use AI-assisted tools to support certain aspects of our hiring process.
  • Application Review: AI tools may help identify skills and experiences relevant to the role.
  • Interview Support: AI-powered notetaking tools may be used during interviews to document discussions and summarize key points.

These tools are used to assist our team. All hiring decisions are made by Analytica recruiters and hiring managers.
By submitting an application, you acknowledge that AI-assisted tools may be used to support parts of the application and interview process.
When receiving email communication from Analytica, please ensure that the email domain is analytica.net to verify its authenticity.

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