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Mainframe Database Administrator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

They are seeking a Mainframe DBA to administer, design, implement, and support highly available and scalable Mainframe DB2 & IMS database solutions while ensuring optimal performance and integration.

Mainframe DBA/COBOL Programmer

Leesburg, VA · Remote

$86K - $97K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Mainframe DBA/COBOL Programmer Location: Remote Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt Salary Range: $86,000 - $97,000 Citizenship Requirement: U.S. Citizenship required Position Overview Corinth is ...

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 ...

Senior Mainframe DB2 Database Administrator

$51 - $70/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Senior Mainframe DB2 Database Administrator (DBA) will be responsible for database administration, performance tuning, backup and recovery, disaster recovery readiness, application release ...

Senior Mainframe DB2 Database Administrator

Homer, AK

$51.75 - $71.25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Senior Mainframe DB2 Database Administrator (DBA) will be responsible for database administration, performance tuning, backup and recovery, disaster recovery readiness, application release ...

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Mainframe Database Administrator information

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$10

$49

$74

How much do mainframe database administrator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 19, 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 is a mainframe database administrator?

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.

What are some typical challenges a mainframe database administrator faces 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.

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.

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.

Is a Mainframe Database Administrator still in demand?

Mainframe Database Administrators remain in demand due to the continued reliance of large organizations on mainframe systems for critical operations. Skills in COBOL, DB2, and mainframe management tools are valuable, and certifications can enhance job prospects in this specialized field.
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Infographic showing various Mainframe Database Administrator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,260 per year, or $49.2 per hour.

Mainframe Database Administrator

Alpha Consulting Corp.

Chandler, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 18 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.

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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

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