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Mainframe Developer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

VIVA USA INC

Mainframe Security Specialist

Springfield, IL · On-site

$48.50 - $62.50/hr

Mainframe Security Skills: Proficiency in mainframe security (e.g., RACF, Data security, and network protocols) to safeguard sensitive payroll data and ensure compliance and expertise in common ...

VIVA USA INC

Mainframe Integration Engineer

Springfield, IL · On-site

$103K - $138K/yr

Integration Engineering Skills: Skills in system integration and testing, ensuring seamless operation across mainframe and non-mainframe platforms and expertise in common Mainframe technologies ...

Ensono

Mainframe Security Engineer

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

Employee The primary role of the Mainframe System Security Engineer is to create, modify and maintain security access on internal and external userids and security rules access for mainframe systems.

Infojini Inc

Cobol Developer

Springfield, IL

$49.75 - $67.50/hr

An experienced developer with mainframe/COBOL experience to work in business application development. Environment and tools are IBM Mainframe platform, z/OS operating system, TSO/ISPF and DB2.

Infojini Inc

Cobol Developer

Springfield, IL · On-site

$49.75 - $67.50/hr

An experienced developer with mainframe/COBOL experience to work in business application development. Environment and tools are IBM Mainframe platform, z/OS operating system, TSO/ISPF and DB2.

Amaze Systems Inc.

Senior Developer

Naperville, IL · On-site

$54.50 - $72/hr

Technical Skills (APPS)-Mainframe-Language-Mainframe - COBOL Job : Technical Lead Other Requirement ... Developer Mandatory Skills Mainframe Cobol (Primary) JCL CICS VSAM Unix Shell scripting is ...

Noblesoft Technologies

zOS Technical Developer

Lisle, IL · On-site

$45 - $52/hr

Role - zOS Technical Developer Location -Lisle, Illinois (Onsite, no remote) JD: * 5-8+ years of experience in mainframe development. * Strong proficiency in COBOL, JCL, CICS, VSAM, DB2, IMS, REXX.

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How much do mainframe developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 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 salary of a mainframe developer?

The salary of a mainframe developer typically ranges from $70,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in COBOL, JCL, or mainframe security may earn higher compensation.

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.

Is mainframe hard to learn?

Mainframe development can be challenging for beginners due to its specialized programming languages like COBOL and its unique environment. However, with dedicated training and practice, many developers can acquire the necessary skills to work effectively on mainframe systems.

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.

Is mainframe still in demand?

Mainframe developers are still in demand due to the continued reliance of many large organizations on mainframe systems for critical operations. Skills in COBOL, JCL, and mainframe security are valuable, and demand persists in industries like finance, insurance, and government. However, the overall number of roles is smaller compared to other modern development environments.

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.

Can mainframe be replaced by AI?

Mainframe developers work with large-scale, legacy systems that require specialized knowledge of mainframe environments, programming languages, and security protocols. While AI can automate certain tasks like code analysis and testing, it is unlikely to fully replace mainframe developers due to the complexity and critical nature of mainframe systems. Instead, AI tools are used to augment their work and improve efficiency.
What are the most commonly searched types of Mainframe Developer jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of Mainframe Developer jobs in Illinois are:
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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:
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Mainframe Developer jobs near you
Senior Mainframe Administrator

Senior Mainframe Administrator

mLogica

Springfield, IL

Other

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Key Responsibilities

  • 24Ă—7  Monitoring & Operations “24Ă—7 monitoring and operations… with defined incident response SLAs.”
  • IBM Z DR Orchestration
  • Runbook & Change Management Ownership Maintain operational runbooks, coordinate firmware/microcode upgrades, and manage capacity planning through the 2028 replacement window.
  • Operational Stabilization
  • Agency Coordination Work directly with DoIT, HFS, IDHS, IDOR, and IDES technical leads to ensure DR readiness and SLA compliance.

Required Skills & Experience

  • 10+ years in IBM Z mainframe operations, storage, or DR engineering.
  • Hands‑on experience with IBM DS8000, FICON, Metro Mirror, Global Mirror, GDPS, HyperSwap, Copy Services Manager, or Hitachi VSP/TrueCopy/UR.
  • Deep understanding of z/OS LPAR, IMS/DB2, CICS/VTAM restart automation, and transactional consistency.
  • Experience running OEM‑aligned DR operations with strict RTO/RPO SLAs.
  • Ability to lead DR tests, document results, and interface with senior government stakeholders.
  • Strong background in runbooks, change control, and capacity planning.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Prior experience supporting public sector or large multi‑agency mainframe estates.
  • Familiarity with aging IBM Z hardware (z196, zEC12, z114) and migration considerations. “The z196, zEC12, and z114 estate has been past IBM end-of-service since 2019.”
  • Exposure to modernization programs or mainframe assessment frameworks.

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