ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Mainframe Developer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Capgemini

Mainframe Developer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90K - $96K/yr

Experience with Mainframe technologies (Mainly PL/1, IMSDB, DB2, JCL) etc. * Very good ... engineering, all fueled by its market leading capabilities in AI, generative AI, cloud and data ...

Capgemini

Mainframe Developer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90K - $96K/yr

Experience with Mainframe technologies (Mainly PL/1, IMSDB, DB2, JCL) etc. * Very good ... engineering, all fueled by its market leading capabilities in AI, generative AI, cloud and data ...

United Airlines

Mainframe Developer

Chicago, IL

$90K - $96K/yr

Experience with Mainframe technologies (Mainly PL/1, IMSDB, DB2, JCL) etc. * Very good ... engineering, all fueled by its market leading capabilities in AI, generative AI, cloud and data ...

Diverse Lynx

Senior Associate - Mainframe

Loves Park, IL · On-site

Mainframe Support Engineer Batch Scheduling & Operations: Overall 5-7 years of experience in mainframe engineering, batch job scheduling and monitoring batch jobs. Design, develop, and maintain batch ...

Purple Drive

Mainframe developer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$50.50 - $65/hr

IBM Mainrame experience JCL DB2 Strong SQL Skills Experience in developing Stored procedures Strong Assembler programming / debugging skills COBOL programming language PL/1 Programming LAnguage CICS ...

eTeam

Mainframe Programmer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Mainframe Programmer Job Role: Mainframe Programmer Duration: 6 months with possible extension Location: Irving, TX, Chicago, IL, Charlotte, NC, Milwaukee, WI 53005, Atlanta, GA, New York, NY ...

Yochana

Senior Mainframe Developer

Naperville, IL · On-site

The scope of the opening is to work on L2L3 tickets (with code changes) and also to work on minor enhancements and change requests. 1. Primary knowledge in Mainframe Cobol. 2. Secondary knowledge in ...

Trident Consulting

Sr Mainframe Programmer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$45/hr

Sr Mainframe Programmer Trident Consulting is seeking a Sr Mainframe Programmer for one of our clients in Brookfield, WI Richfield, MN Chicago, IL Irving, TX Atlanta, GA (Onsite) Length of Assignment ...

Omni Inclusive

Mainframe

Schaumburg, IL · On-site

$48.25 - $62/hr

Skill Requirements - 1. Proficiency in mainframe cobol, db2, vsam, jcl, and mainframe cics programming languages. 2. Strong understanding of mainframe architecture and technologies. 3. Experience in ...

Atria Group LLC

Mainframe/Cobol developer

Bloomington, IL

$47 - $60.50/hr

Mainframe/Cobol developer * Resource needed with industry knowledge/experience of IBM's Rational Asset Analyzer (RAA) tool. * Preferable, but not mandatory is additional knowledge/experience of ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsMainframe Developer JobsMainframe Developer Jobs in Illinois

Mainframe Developer information

See Illinois salary details

$9

$51

$70

How much do mainframe developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe developer in Illinois is $51.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45.67 and $58.70 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Mainframe Developer vs Mainframe Analyst?

AspectMainframe DeveloperMainframe Analyst
Primary RoleDesigning, coding, and testing mainframe applicationsAnalyzing and maintaining existing mainframe systems
Skills & CertificationsCOBOL, JCL, DB2, certifications like IBM Certified DeveloperCOBOL, JCL, system analysis, troubleshooting skills
Work EnvironmentDevelopment teams, coding in mainframe environmentsSupport teams, system analysis, user support
Industry UsageFinancial services, insurance, government agenciesFinancial institutions, healthcare, government agencies

While Mainframe Developers focus on creating and implementing mainframe applications, Mainframe Analysts primarily analyze, troubleshoot, and maintain existing systems. Both roles require similar technical skills and often work within the same industries, but their core responsibilities differ in development versus support and analysis.

What are some common challenges Mainframe Developers face when integrating legacy systems with modern applications?

Mainframe Developers often encounter challenges such as ensuring compatibility between legacy systems and newer technologies, managing data migration without disrupting business operations, and maintaining the security of sensitive data. Effective communication with cross-functional teams, such as application developers and infrastructure engineers, is essential to address these challenges. Staying updated on both mainframe and modern programming practices helps ease integration and ensures long-term system reliability.

What are Mainframe Developers?

Mainframe Developers are specialized software engineers who design, develop, maintain, and troubleshoot applications on mainframe computer systems, such as IBM's z/OS. They typically work with languages like COBOL, JCL, and CICS, and are responsible for ensuring the performance, security, and reliability of mission-critical business applications. Mainframe Developers are commonly employed in industries like banking, insurance, and government, where large-scale, high-volume transaction processing is essential.

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

To thrive as a Mainframe Developer, you need expertise in programming languages such as COBOL, JCL, and SQL, along with a strong understanding of mainframe operating systems and batch processing concepts. Familiarity with tools like IBM z/OS, DB2, CICS, and version control systems is typically required, and certifications from IBM or related organizations can be beneficial. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help Mainframe Developers excel in troubleshooting and collaborating with cross-functional teams. These skills are crucial for maintaining, optimizing, and modernizing legacy systems that are vital to many large organizations’ operations.
What are the most commonly searched types of Mainframe Developer jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Mainframe Developer jobs in Illinois are:
What are popular job titles related to Mainframe Developer jobs in Illinois? For Mainframe Developer jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Mainframe Developer jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Mainframe Developer jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Mainframe Developer jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Mainframe Developer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Mainframe Developer jobs in IL? For Mainframe Developer jobs in IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Mainframe Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mainframe Developer job openings in Illinois as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 4% Nights. Highlights an 83% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,587 per year, or $51.7 per hour.
Job Title: Senior Mainframe Programmer

Job Title: Senior Mainframe Programmer

Apolis

Chicago, IL • On-site

Other

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Senior Mainframe Programmer

We are seeking an experienced Senior Mainframe Programmer with strong expertise in mainframe application development and support. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience working with COBOL, DB2, CICS, VSAM, and JCL in enterprise environments.

Key Responsibilities
  • Develop, enhance, and maintain enterprise mainframe applications.
  • Analyze business requirements and provide technical solutions.
  • Perform coding, testing, debugging, and production support.
  • Optimize application performance and resolve production issues.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams throughout the software development lifecycle.
  • Participate in code reviews and ensure adherence to development standards.
Required Skills
  • 12+ years of overall IT experience.
  • 8+ years of hands-on experience in Mainframe development.
  • Strong expertise in COBOL, VSAM, DB2, CICS, and JCL.
  • Experience with application maintenance, enhancements, and production support.
  • Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
Preferred Skills
  • Experience with Git version control.
  • Familiarity with IBM Developer for z/OS (IDz).
  • Experience working in Agile environments.

Apply