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Mainframe Database Administrator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Innovcentric LLC

Mainframe DB2 DBA

Plano, TX · On-site

$60/hr

Mainframe DB2 DBA (W2) Plano, Texas (Hybrid - 3 days onsite per week)|$60/hr W2|Client:Bank of America|Exp:10+ yrs A face-to-face final round interview is required. Need local candidates Visa: No GC ...

Matlen Silver

Mainframe DBA (Chandler)

Chandler, AZ · On-site

Position requires in-depth Mainframe DB2 DBA (DB2 on Z/oS) knowledge with a focus on performance tuning. * Individual should have minimum of 7-9 years of DB2 DBA experience on z/Os at a single large ...

JS Consulting

DB2 DBA MAINFRAME

Boston, MA · On-site

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 ...

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How much do mainframe database administrator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe database administrator in the United States is $49.16, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38.46 and $59.13 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Mainframe Database Administrator, you need expertise in database management, mainframe operating systems (like z/OS), and a solid understanding of data security and backup strategies, usually supported by a degree in computer science or related fields. Familiarity with technical tools such as IBM DB2, IMS, CA Database Management tools, and certifications like IBM Certified Database Administrator are common requirements. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help DBAs collaborate with cross-functional teams and address complex issues. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring database reliability, optimizing performance, and safeguarding critical enterprise data.

Will AI replace DBAs?

Mainframe Database Administrators (DBAs) manage and maintain large-scale database systems, ensuring data integrity, security, and performance. While AI can assist with routine tasks like monitoring and data analysis, it is unlikely to fully replace DBAs, as their expertise is needed for complex problem-solving, system design, and strategic decision-making. Skills in scripting, automation tools, and understanding of legacy systems remain valuable in this evolving role.

What is the difference between Mainframe Database Administrator vs Database Administrator?

AspectMainframe Database AdministratorDatabase Administrator
CredentialsTypically requires mainframe certifications, SQL, and database management skillsRequires SQL, database management certifications, often more diverse certifications depending on database type
Work EnvironmentWorks primarily on mainframe systems in large enterprise settingsWorks on various database systems (SQL, NoSQL) across different environments
Industry UsageCommon in banking, finance, and government sectorsWidely used across industries including tech, healthcare, retail

The Mainframe Database Administrator specializes in managing and maintaining mainframe databases, often in large, legacy systems. In contrast, the Database Administrator handles a broader range of database types and environments. Both roles require strong SQL skills and database management knowledge, but the mainframe DBA focuses on mainframe-specific tools and systems.

What are some typical challenges Mainframe Database Administrators face when managing legacy systems?

Mainframe Database Administrators often encounter challenges related to supporting and maintaining legacy systems, such as integrating new technologies with older platforms and ensuring data integrity during migrations or upgrades. Additionally, they may need to troubleshoot performance issues and optimize databases that were designed decades ago, all while adhering to strict security and compliance requirements. Collaborating with application developers and infrastructure teams is crucial to ensure smooth system operations and implement best practices for disaster recovery and backup.

Is DBA still in demand?

Mainframe Database Administrators remain in demand in industries that rely on legacy systems, such as finance and government, where mainframe technology is critical. They need skills in COBOL, JCL, and database management tools, and certifications can enhance job prospects. While some automation has reduced demand, specialized knowledge keeps DBAs essential in certain sectors.

What is the salary of mainframe DB2 DBA?

The salary of a Mainframe DB2 Database Administrator typically ranges from $70,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and location. Senior DBAs with specialized skills or certifications like IBM Certified Database Administrator may earn higher salaries. Compensation also varies based on the complexity of the environment and the employer's industry.

What is mainframe DBA?

A mainframe database administrator (DBA) manages and maintains databases on mainframe systems, ensuring data integrity, security, and performance. They typically work with tools like DB2 or IMS, perform backups, and optimize database operations in a large-scale enterprise environment.

What are Mainframe Database Administrators?

Mainframe Database Administrators (DBAs) are IT professionals responsible for managing and maintaining databases that run on mainframe computer systems, such as IBM zSeries. They ensure the availability, security, and performance of critical business data stored in mainframe databases like IBM Db2 or IMS. Mainframe DBAs handle tasks such as database installation, backup and recovery, performance tuning, and troubleshooting. Their role is vital for organizations that rely on mainframe systems for large-scale transaction processing and data management.
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Mainframe Database Administrator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mainframe Database Administrator job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,260 per year, or $49.2 per hour.
Mainframe Database Administrator (DBA)

Mainframe Database Administrator (DBA)

West Advanced Technologies (WATI)

Downey, CA • On-site

Contractor

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Mainframe Database Administrator (DBA)
Downey, CA
12+ months
Position Description:
A Mainframe Systems Programmer/DBA is responsible for leading and/or supporting the most complex database upgrade projects, modification, installation, testing, implementation, maintenance and enhancements of new or existing system software products. This classification must plan, install, configure, test, implement and manage core database products, software products in support of the County's database architecture and business needs. Special organizational or functional industry position titles for Systems Programmer/DBA include, but are not limited to, DB2 Systems Programmer/DBA, IMS Systems Programmer/DBA and ADABAS/NATURAL Systems Programmer/DBA.
Skills Required:
The Mainframe Systems Programmer/DBA for Legacy Systems manages different types of databases, such as hierarchical (IMS), relational (DB2), and file-based (ADABAS), and is responsible for planning and upgrading the database environments on a County-established basis; verifying the health of all the databases; database administration technical consulting for application and operations teams for the purpose of project planning/development; maintenance on production database systems; performance of technical reviews for existing systems that utilize one of the following database management systems (DBMS): ADABAS, DB2 or IMS; performance of evaluations for the purposes of selecting new or fine-tuning existing DBMS software; consultation with project development teams to provide recommendations on database design; development of logical and physical database designs; creation of overviews of logical database designs; creation of physical databases; database capacity planning; development and use of backup and recovery procedures for databases; database performance monitoring; database space monitoring; database reorganizations; database replication; database compression and database partitioning. The following technology skill sets are required to perform in this classification. IBM: Z/OS, IMS, DB2, ADABAS, SMP/E, JCL, IMS DB/DC, CICS, ACF2, ASSEMBLER/COBOL/REXX, IBM FILE MANAGER, DELTA/IMS, NATURAL/ SUPERNAT, ENTIREX, CA SPOOL, IMS & DB2 BMC Tools, N20/TRIM.
This classification must have a minimum of seven (7) years of experience as a Systems Programming/ DBA, with at least three (3) years of that experience in a lead role.
This classification requires the possession of a bachelor's degree in an IT-related or engineering field.
Skills Preferred:
Z/OS 2.4,HCD/IODEF , Z13S,Z15,SMP/E, ASSEMBLER, JCL, COBOL,ACF2,SYSPLEX coupling facility,, HMC (Processor Interface), OSA (Networking Interface), ICC (Integrated Console Controller), FICON (Fiber connectivity to peripheral devices),z/OS Open System and Unix Systems Services (USS) on the Mainframe. ,CLIST, REXX,, FICON switch configuration and definition in HCD, Server Time Protocol (STP) configuration.
Z/OS upgrade experience, Mainframe hardware upgrade, HCD & HMC Experience, mainframe storage experience are preferred.
Regards
Naresh Damagalla
West Advanced Technologies, Inc
E: naresh.d@wati.com

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