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Mainframe Developer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

COBOL Developer

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$49 - $66.25/hr

We are seeking a seasoned COBOL Developer with 6+ years of experience in mainframe application development and support . The ideal candidate should have strong expertise in COBOL, JCL, DB2, and ...

Senior Automation Engineer

Des Moines, IA · Hybrid

$101K - $133K/yr

Collaborate closely with Java developers, Mainframe engineers, product managers, and project leaders to align automation strategy with business and delivery priorities. * Document automation ...

Senior Automation Engineer

Davenport, IA · Hybrid

$98K - $129K/yr

Collaborate closely with Java developers, Mainframe engineers, product managers, and project leaders to align automation strategy with business and delivery priorities. * Document automation ...

Senior Programmer Analyst

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

$44 - $59.50/hr

Experience on IBM Z/OS mainframe is a plus. • Good working knowledge of SQL language. Ability to ... Web programming (Python, Perl, .js, etc..) a plus. • Strong verbal and written communication ...

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Mainframe Developer information

See Iowa salary details

$9

$50

$67

How much do mainframe developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe developer in Iowa is $50.14, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44.23 and $56.88 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 popular job titles related to Mainframe Developer jobs in Iowa? For Mainframe Developer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Mainframe Developer jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Mainframe Developer jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Mainframe Developer jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Mainframe Developer job openings:

Contractor

Posted 17 days ago


Job description

Company Description

 RICEFW Technologies.

Job Description

Job ID: 493050
Role Title: DOT - SDP4 - Mainframe Analyst
Department: Department of Transportation
Work Location: 800 Lincoln Way, Ames Iowa
Duration: 3+ Months
Project Duration: 03/06/2017 to 05/08/2017
End Client: State Of Iowa
Interview Mode: In Person Only
Description:
The candidate will be responsible for the inventory and overall purpose of various mainframe applications. Various mainframe applications exist in various systems. The ideal candidate will be able to navigate the mainframe to identify all the programs and identify various dependencies between different programs.
The candidate will not be required to code in mainframe, but it will be very beneficial if they can read and understand Cobol, JCL, TSO and Job Track.
Candidate will be required to create documentation and present to project teams and management.
Required / Desired Skills:
Navigate through mainframe systems to identify mainframe program.
Read and modify JCL
Creating documentation, identifying different systems and dependencies,TSO
Read and translate Cobol Code,PL/1
Experience using Job Track

Additional Information

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.