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Mainframe Developer Jobs in Naperville, IL (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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.

Required : • At least 8+ years of experience testing modern large-scale software and complex test configurations • Has mastered the basics of operating as a developer in the IBM mainframe ...

Has mastered the basics of operating as a developer in the IBM mainframe environment; * Experience debugging with tools like XDC, IPCS; * Experience in software development using IBM Assembler/Metal ...

Has mastered the basics of operating as a developer in the IBM mainframe environment; * Experience debugging with tools like XDC, IPCS; * Experience in software development using IBM Assembler/Metal ...

Bank is seeking a z/OS Systems Programmer that has extensive experience in mainframe technologies with an emphasis on installation/upgrading, tuning, and troubleshooting of z/OS and third-party ...

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Mainframe Developer information

See Naperville, IL salary details

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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 Naperville, IL is $53.33, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47.07 and $60.53 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 popular job titles related to Mainframe Developer jobs in Naperville, IL? For Mainframe Developer jobs in Naperville, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Mainframe Developer jobs in Naperville, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Mainframe Developer jobs in Naperville, IL are:
What cities near Naperville, IL are hiring for Mainframe Developer jobs? Cities near Naperville, IL with the most Mainframe Developer job openings:
Infographic showing various Mainframe Developer job openings in Naperville, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 71% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 4% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,927 per year, or $53.3 per hour.
Senior Mainframe EDI Programmer

Senior Mainframe EDI Programmer

Sonoma Consulting Inc.

Glenview, IL

Other

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Company Description

Sonoma Consulting is one of the fastest growing Global IT Consulting and Executive Search providers with offices in Naperville IL; Chicago IL; Tyson's Corner VA and Hyderabad India. 

Our clients range from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies throughout the world. We look to our large recruiting team to continue to build upon the high standards we have set and ways to continually improve our recruiting process around the speed and quality of the resources we deliver. The Sonoma team prides itself on best model for delivery of IT Resources in a 24/7 model, our high level of professionalism and integrity which enables us to create long-term, meaningful relationships with our clients. 

Job Description

Key Job Responsibilities:
Participate in translating business and customer requirements into well researched and designed custom applications or existing software modifications with legacy and new systems
    Work on troubleshooting problems as well as recommend / implement effective solutions
    Document testing and maintenance of system changes
    On-call support responsibilities

Qualifications

Requirements:
    Working knowledge of EDI documents and hands-on mapping experience a plus
    Experience with Sterling Integrator (GIS/B2BI) mapping tool is a plus
    Proficient in Mainframe COBOL
    Proficient in DB2 / SQL
    MVS and JCL
    TSO / ISPF
    Good verbal and written communication
    Experience writing technical specifications and developing test plans
    Must have experience and working knowledge of software development life-cycle
    Good troubleshooting skills
    Ability to work in team environment as well as individually
    Familiarity with INSYNC, Xpeditor, CICS, SDSF, IMS and SCLM preferred
    Knowledge of XML structures, EDIFACT standards and JAVA a plus
    Knowledge of FTP and AS2 communications is a plus

Additional Information

Sonoma Consulting is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.


Sonoma Consult logo

About Sonoma Consult

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Sonoma Consult is a California based C corporation helping companies bring products to the patient by working closely with the engineering teams and the clinicians. Our goal, no matter what stage of product development, is to create and execute a plan of action to move the product through the appropriate clinical and regulatory steps. Sonoma Consult works cohesively with the engineers and physicians to translate technologies to the clinic. Our goal is to help you get the very best product to the clinic and to the market. This includes planning, execution and ensuring critical data is delivered in the right format to ensure the feedback loop to the design team ultimately delivers the most advanced technology to the patient.

Industry

Business management consulting

Company size

1 - 10 Employees

Headquarters location

Sonoma, CA, US