1

Mainframe Dba Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Title- DB2 DBA MAINFRAME Project Location - Onsite three days in a week, Jersey City NJ or Boston MA Duration- Fulltime Visa- USC/ GC -: Excellent pathway for upward movement in the company ...

DBA

Austin, TX

$50.25 - $68.50/hr

Company Description This position is for an enterprise database administrator for Health and Human ... mainframe environment. Work will involve analyzing user requirements, procedures and problems ...

Primary Purpose The Database Administrator designs, administers and maintains enterprise database ... SQL Server, Oracle, Progress, MySQL or DB2 Intermediate skills in UNIX, Windows and/or mainframe ...

As a Mainframe IMS Application DBA, you will be part of the Database Support Department supporting the IMS Database Management team. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong problem-solving skills ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Mainframe DBA information

See salary details

$10

$51

$67

How much do mainframe dba jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe dba 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 is a mainframe DBA?

Mainframe DBAs (Database Administrators) are IT professionals who manage, maintain, and optimize databases that run on mainframe computers. Their responsibilities include installing and upgrading database software, ensuring data integrity and security, performing backups and recovery, and tuning database performance. They typically work with large-scale databases such as IBM Db2 or IMS, which are critical for the operations of large organizations like banks, government agencies, and insurance companies. Mainframe DBAs also collaborate with developers and system administrators to support application needs and ensure reliable data access.

What is the difference between Mainframe Dba vs Database Administrator?

AspectMainframe DbaDatabase Administrator
CertificationsIBM Certified Database Administrator, Mainframe certificationsOracle, Microsoft, MySQL certifications
Work EnvironmentMainframe systems, legacy environmentsServer-based, cloud, and modern database systems
Industry UsageFinancial, government, large enterprisesVarious industries including tech, healthcare, retail
Job FocusMaintaining mainframe databases, performance tuningManaging diverse database systems, backups, security

The Mainframe Dba specializes in maintaining and optimizing mainframe databases within legacy systems, often in large enterprises like finance and government. In contrast, a Database Administrator manages a variety of database platforms, including modern and cloud-based systems, across multiple industries. While both roles require database management skills, the Mainframe Dba focuses on mainframe environments, whereas the Database Administrator handles a broader range of database technologies.

What are some common challenges mainframe DBAs face when managing legacy systems, and how can they overcome them?

Mainframe DBAs often encounter challenges related to maintaining and optimizing legacy database systems, such as outdated documentation, compatibility issues with newer technologies, and ensuring data security and compliance. To overcome these challenges, DBAs should actively document changes, participate in ongoing training to stay current with modernization tools, and collaborate closely with application developers and infrastructure teams. Proactively monitoring system performance and implementing robust backup and recovery procedures also help mitigate risks associated with aging mainframe environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a mainframe DBA, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Mainframe DBA, you need expertise in database management, strong problem-solving skills, and a solid understanding of mainframe platforms such as IBM z/OS, typically backed by a degree in computer science or related field. Familiarity with tools like IBM DB2, IMS, and utilities such as BMC or CA, along with relevant certifications (e.g., IBM Certified Database Administrator), is highly valuable. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you excel in managing complex environments and collaborating with IT teams. These competencies are crucial for ensuring database reliability, security, and optimal performance in critical enterprise systems.
More about Mainframe DBA jobs
What states have the most Mainframe Dba jobs? States with the most job openings for Mainframe Dba jobs include:
Infographic showing various Mainframe Dba job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,357 per year, or $51.1 per hour.

Mainframe Database Administrator

Alpha Consulting Corp.

Chandler, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago


Job description

Job Summary:
Alpha Consulting Corp. is seeking a Mainframe Database Administrator to manage and optimize mainframe database systems. The role involves installing and maintaining database subsystems, monitoring performance, ensuring data integrity and security, and providing application support.
Responsibilities:
• Install, configure, and maintain mainframe database subsystems (e.g., DB2 for z/OS, IMS DB/DC).
• Manage database objects, including tablespaces, databases, tables, indexes, views, and buffer pools.
• Perform routine administrative tasks such as reorganizations, RUNSTATS, image copies, and space management.
• Apply database maintenance, patches, and version upgrades while minimizing service disruption.
• Monitor and tune SQL queries, application packages, buffer pools, and overall subsystem performance.
• Analyze SMF records and performance metrics using tools such as OMEGAMON, MainView, or IBM Data Server Manager.
• Identify and resolve performance bottlenecks in batch and online workloads.
• Develop, implement, and test backup/recovery strategies using tools such as IBM RECOVER, COPY, and log management utilities.
• Ensure compliance with recovery time (RTO) and recovery point objectives (RPO).
• Support and maintain high‐availability configurations such as data sharing groups and sysplex architectures.
• Implement database security, including RACF/ACF2 rules, roles, privileges, and auditing.
• Ensure data protection, encryption standards, and regulatory compliance.
• Validate database changes through controlled release and change management processes.
• Support application teams with schema design, query tuning, and access path optimization.
• Review DDL changes, SQL code, and performance impacts during development and deployments.
• Provide expertise during application migrations, new releases, and modernization initiatives.
• Diagnose and resolve database incidents, failures, locking/contention issues, and subsystem degradations.
• Participate in root-cause analysis (RCA) for recurring database or performance issues.
• Serve as subject matter expert during incidents affecting critical systems.
• Use and configure database tools such as IBM DB2 Utilities, IMS tools, QMF, Data Studio, or File-AID.
• Automate routine tasks and reporting using REXX, CLIST, JCL, or modern scripting where applicable.
• Maintain comprehensive documentation for database standards, procedures, and recovery instructions.
Qualifications:
Required:
• Hands-on experience with DB2 for z/OS, IMS DB/DC, or equivalent mainframe database systems.
• Strong SQL skills and in-depth knowledge of database internals, access paths, and optimization.
• Understanding of z/OS environment, JES2/JES3, datasets (VSAM), and utilities.
• Experience with SMF/RMF data analysis and performance reporting.
• Familiarity with high availability and data sharing concepts (e.g., Parallel Sysplex).
• Strong diagnostic and problem-solving skills.
Preferred:
• Experience with IBM tools such as OMEGAMON, MainView, CA Detector, or Apptune.
• Knowledge of DevOps practices for mainframe environments.
• Exposure to modern data integration or modernization platforms.
• Relevant certifications (e.g., IBM Certified Database Administrator – DB2 for z/OS).
Company:
Alpha Consulting Corp. has been exceeding expectations in the IT, pharmaceutical, and clinical staffing business since 1994. Founded in 1994, the company is headquartered in East Brunswick, USA, with a team of 201-500 employees. The company is currently Growth Stage.

Alpha Consulting logo

About Alpha Consulting

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Alpha Consulting is headquartered in East Brunswick, NJ, US and operates in the consulting sector. As a high-visibility consultant in the IT and pharmaceutical services industry, they deliver comprehensive project, process, and applications management solutions to businesses across these sectors. Empowering their clients to achieve their objectives through innovative and cost-effective strategies is the core belief of Alpha. Their mission is to offer experienced consulting and IT services that help clients attain their business objectives by seamlessly bridging the gap between business goals and technology implementation.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

East Brunswick, NJ, US

Year founded

1994

Social media