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Mainframe Developer Jobs in Pennsylvania (NOW HIRING)

Mainframe Cobol Developer

Reading, PA

$47 - $60.50/hr

Design and develop and maintain mainframe applications using programming languages such as COBOL, JCL, and more. \n * Provide application enhancement and apply patches, updates, etc. \n * Conduct ...

Ensure adherence to SDLC, DevOps practices, and enterprise governance standards * Collaborate cross ... Strong experience in Mainframe Development * Advanced proficiency in: * COBOL * CICS (Channels ...

Mainframe Specialist

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$70K - $196K/yr

About the Role Are you a seasoned Mainframe Specialist with deep, hands-on command of COBOL, JCL ... Partner with cross-functional teams-architects, developers, QA, and business analysts-to gather ...

Mainframe Specialist

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

$70K - $196K/yr

About the Role Are you a seasoned Mainframe Specialist with deep, hands-on command of COBOL, JCL ... Partner with cross-functional teams-architects, developers, QA, and business analysts-to gather ...

Mainframe Specialist

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$70K - $196K/yr

About the Role Are you a seasoned Mainframe Specialist with deep, hands-on command of COBOL, JCL ... Partner with cross-functional teams-architects, developers, QA, and business analysts-to gather ...

Jr. Mainframe Developer and Support

Reading, PA · On-site

$64K - $83K/yr

May assist Programmer/Analyst on more complex projects and prepare programming specifications and documentation Qualifications * Bachelors Degree or equivalent required * 6+ years' experience

Sr. MainFrame Developer and Support

Reading, PA · On-site

$52.25 - $69.25/hr

May assist Programmer/Analyst on more complex projects and prepare programming specifications and documentation Qualifications * Bachelors Degree or equivalent required * 6+ years' experience

Showing results 21-40

Mainframe Developer information

See Pennsylvania salary details

$10

$53

$72

How much do mainframe developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe developer in Pennsylvania is $53.51, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47.21 and $60.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a mainframe developer?

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?

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 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 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 a mainframe developer a good career?

A mainframe developer is a specialized IT professional who maintains and develops applications on mainframe systems, which are used by large organizations for critical data processing. The role offers stable employment, competitive salaries, and opportunities to work with legacy technologies like COBOL and JCL, but it may require ongoing learning of evolving mainframe tools and certifications. Overall, it can be a good career for those interested in enterprise computing and system stability.

Is a mainframe developer hard to learn?

Mainframe developers typically need to learn specialized programming languages like COBOL and understand mainframe environments, which can have a steep learning curve for beginners. However, with prior programming experience and training, acquiring the necessary skills is achievable, and many employers offer on-the-job training or certification programs.

Is mainframe developer still in demand?

Mainframe developers are still in demand in industries such as finance, insurance, and government, where legacy systems remain critical. They typically work with COBOL, JCL, and mainframe environments, and demand depends on the organization's reliance on mainframe technology and ongoing maintenance needs.

What are the most commonly searched types of Mainframe Developer jobs in Pennsylvania?

The most popular types of Mainframe Developer jobs in Pennsylvania are:

What job categories do people searching Mainframe Developer jobs in Pennsylvania look for?

The top searched job categories for Mainframe Developer jobs in Pennsylvania are:

What cities in Pennsylvania are hiring for Mainframe Developer jobs?

Cities in Pennsylvania with the most Mainframe Developer job openings:

Infographic showing various Mainframe Developer job openings in Pennsylvania as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 13% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,293 per year, or $53.5 per hour.

$47 - $60.50/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description

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Duties and Responsibilities:<\/b>
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  • Design and develop and maintain mainframe applications using programming languages such as COBOL, JCL, and more.<\/span>
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  • Provide application enhancement and apply patches, updates, etc.<\/span>
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  • Conduct code reviews, unit testing, system testing, and integration testing in multiple environments (i.e., Development, Testing, Staging, and Production)<\/span>
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  • Provide support for production systems, troubleshoot issues, and upgrade system software<\/span>
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  • Work closely with business analysts and stakeholders (i.e., client\-facing) to understand requirements and deliver solutions.<\/span>
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  • Documentation: Create and maintain technical documentation to assist with systems' ongoing operation and development.<\/span>
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    Skills & Work Experience:<\/b><\/span>
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      \n
    • A minimum of ten years of Cobol development in a mainframe environment
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    • Deep skills and experience with CICS and batch development for Cobol applications<\/span>
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    • Working knowledge of mainframe development, integration, and database technologies and languages to include IBM's Job Control Language (JCL), z\/OS, Customer Information Control System (CICS)<\/span>
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    • Experience with TSO<\/span>
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    • Experience with SCLM<\/span>
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    • IBM Debugging tools for z\/OS<\/span>
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    • VSAM skills<\/span>
      <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/li>\n <\/ul>\n
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