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Mainframe Developer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Mainframe Senior Developer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$99K - $169K/yr

AND Principal Responsibilities The Mainframe Senior Developer is responsible for installing, maintaining, upgrading, and supporting various system software products for TNT's z/OS operating system ...

Mainframe Software Development Engineer

Lisle, IL · On-site

$48.25 - $62.25/hr

Has mastered the basics of operating as a developer in the IBM mainframe environment * Mainframe Assembler, Metal C, Java and Rest APIs * Mainframe debugging skills using IPCS, VM Trace, XDC, etc.

Mainframe Programmer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$50 - $55/hr

Mainframe COBOL, DB2, and JCL with 5 years of experience. * Experience in coding, unit testing, integration testing, and user acceptance testing. * Understanding of JCL, job streams, and CA-7. * ...

Tandem Developer

Rolling Meadows, IL · On-site

$49.25 - $63.25/hr

Tandem Developer Job Location: Rolling Meadows,IL Job Type: Contract Technical Skills: * Strong ... CICS,JCL,Mainframe Enterprise Cobol,Mainframe DB2,Z/OS,CICS Admin,Mainframe - COBOL/JCL/CICS ...

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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 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:
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.
Mainframe Senior Developer

Mainframe Senior Developer

Northern Trust

Chicago, IL • On-site

$99K - $169K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Northern Trust rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

About Northern Trust:

Northern Trust, a Fortune 500 company, is a globally recognized, award-winning financial institution that has been in continuous operation since 1889.

Northern Trust is proud to provide innovative financial services and guidance to the world's most successful individuals, families, and institutions by remaining true to our enduring principles of service, expertise, and integrity. With more than 130 years of financial experience and over 22,000 partners, we serve the world's most sophisticated clients using leading technology and exceptional service.

Northern Trust is looking for a consultant for the role of Mainframe Senior Developer to join its existing Project team located in Chicago.

Job Description AND Principal Responsibilities

The Mainframe Senior Developer is responsible for installing, maintaining, upgrading, and supporting various system software products for TNT's z/OS operating system environment. They require skills including, but not limited to DB2 database and tools, COBOL and PL/1 programming, JCL, and Strong Assembly level Programming skills along with CICS expertise.

The resource should be able to confidently:

Communicate status to, and work in conjunction with client stakeholders, project managers, team

members, and management.

. Work on Primitive CICS Systems and re-create them in lower environment.

. Work on Assembler and PL/1 Programs to modify, test and De-bug Efficiently.

. Provide solutions to modernize existing primitive architecture based on mainframe systems.

Ensure solutions provide system stability by following best practices and TNT change control and

support methodologies

. work to arrive at multiple design features and brainstorm with the team/SME's.

Analyze, evaluate, troubleshoot, test, document, and implement system software upgrades and new

software packages per client specifications

Support Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) methodologies and Agile Framework

Ensure peak software/system performance by monitoring software usage and implementing

suggested changes

Adapt to changing roles and dynamic priorities

Work with people of different personalities and backgrounds

Prioritize work independently

Modernization Experience

Education/Experience:

15+ years of experience required in the following areas:

- IBM mainframe experience

- JCL

- DB2

o Strong SQL Skills

o Experience in developing Stored Procedures - both Cobol and Native

- Strong Assembler Programming/De-bugging skill.

- Cobol Programming Language

- PL/1 Programming Language

- CICS

-Handson Github/IDz Experience

- Good knowledge and hands-on experience on IBM utilities, FileAid, QMF, SPUFI

- Knowledge of DFSORT, Version control tool

- Excellent oral and written communication skills are required

- Independently makes sound and timely, fact-based decisions.

- - Microsoft Visio.

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Information Management, or related field preferred

Nice to Have:

- Experience in Control-M Scheduling

- Data Analysis tools and skills

- Preferred Financial Services/Banking experience.

Salary Range:

$99,600 - 169,200 USD

Salary range is a good faith estimate of base pay. Northern Trust provides a comprehensive benefits package including retirement benefits (401k and pension), health and welfare benefits (medical, dental, vision, spending accounts and disability), paid time off, parental and caregiver leave, life & accident insurance, and other voluntary and well-being benefits. Northern Trust also provides a discretionary bonus program that may include an equity component.

Working with Us:

As a Northern Trust partner, greater achievements await. You will be part of a flexible and collaborative work culture in an organization where financial strength and stability is an asset that emboldens us to explore new ideas.

Movement within the organization is encouraged, senior leaders are accessible, and you can take pride in working for a company committed to assisting the communities we serve!Join a workplace with a greater purpose.

We'd love to learn more about how your interests and experience could be a fit with one of the world's most admired and sustainable companies! Build your career with us andapply today.#MadeForGreater

Reasonable accommodation

Northern Trust is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please email our HR Service Center at MyHRHelp@ntrs.com.


We hope you're excited about the role and the opportunity to work with us. We value an inclusive workplace and understand flexibility means different things to different people.

Apply today and talk to us about your flexible working requirements and together we can achieve greater.


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