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Mainframe Developer Jobs in Toronto, ON (NOW HIRING)

... mainframe development complex programs using Cobol, JCL, IMS DB, DB2, VSAM, CA7, SAS, Netron. Experience working in an agile environment / methodology / deployment (e.g. GIT, DevOps pipeline, JIRA ...

We are seeking a highly skilled Mainframe DevOps Expert to join our team for an exciting short-term project. Key Responsibilities: As a Curriculum Development Specialist, your primary responsibility ...

Software Engineer II (Mainframe)

Toronto, ON · On-site

CA$81K - CA$115K/yr

The L9 Mainframe Software Engineer II is responsible for producing high-quality functional and ... Familiarity with modern DevOps practices and automation opportunities. * Exposure to cloud ...

Senior Software Engineer (Mainframe)

Toronto, ON · On-site

CA$81K - CA$115K/yr

Adhere to enterprise engineering frameworks, software development methodologies, release processes, and control standards applicable to mainframe development and delivery. * Actively identify and ...

We are seeking a skilled Mainframe "File-Manager" Expert to join our dynamic team and contribute to the development of a comprehensive course. The ideal candidate will have in-depth expertise in File ...

As a Lead DevOps Engineer , you will play a critical role in bridging the gap between development ... Lead the design and development of key features for the Helios CI/CD pipeline - VM and Mainframe ...

As a Lead DevOps Engineer, you will play a critical role in bridging the gap between development ... Lead the design and development of key features for the Helios CI/CD pipeline VM and Mainframe ...

Quality Engineer I - Mainframe

Toronto, ON · Remote

CA$69K - CA$98K/yr

Mainframe testing (COBOL, DB2, IMS, CICS screens is a must) and API is good to have. * As a Test ... (DevOps tools and processes, source code management, Service Virtualization, monitoring tools, etc.

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Mainframe Developer information

See Toronto, ON salary details

$28

$48

$66

How much do mainframe developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe developer in Toronto, ON is $48.32, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40.83 and $54.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

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 operations. The role offers stable employment, competitive salaries, and requires skills in languages like COBOL and tools such as JCL. Demand remains steady in industries like finance and government, making it a viable career choice for those with relevant expertise.

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.

Is mainframe developer still in demand?

Mainframe developers are still in demand in industries such as finance, government, and insurance that rely on legacy systems. They typically work with COBOL, JCL, and mainframe environments, and demand remains steady due to the ongoing need for system maintenance and integration. However, the overall job market is gradually shifting toward modern technologies, so acquiring skills in related areas can enhance job prospects.

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 the most commonly searched types of Mainframe Developer jobs in Toronto, ON?

The most popular types of Mainframe Developer jobs in Toronto, ON are:

What are popular job titles related to Mainframe Developer jobs in Toronto, ON?

For Mainframe Developer jobs in Toronto, ON, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Mainframe Developer jobs in Toronto, ON look for?

The top searched job categories for Mainframe Developer jobs in Toronto, ON are:

Infographic showing various Mainframe Developer job openings in Toronto, ON as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $100,503 per year, or $48.3 per hour.

Senior Mainframe Developer - Application Design - Hybrid

Tech Talent International

Toronto, ON • Hybrid

CA$50/hr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Tech Talent International (TTI) supplies technical talent to a variety of clients ranging from Fortune 100/500/1000 companies to startups, small and mid-sized organizations in Canada/US. We are currently hiring a Senior Mainframe Developer - Application Design - Hybrid for our consulting client in the Toronto area.

Role: Senior Mainframe Developer - Application Design - Hybrid

Type: Contract

Rate Range: $50/hr C2C (40 hrs /week)

Duration: 8 months + potential extensions

Location: Hybrid (2 onsite/3 days from home) downtown Toronto, ON, Canada

Mainframe Senior Developer
Skills Required: 

Mainframe DB2 

Application Development~System I 

COBOL400~IT IS_AMS_Mainframe_DB2 Administration
Experience Required: 6-8 Years
Qualifications :

Experience in Mainframe lead Developer
Should have coding experience in CICS,COBOL, DB2, JCL.
Experience with application design, development and deployment
Skills and Responsibilities:

Design, develop and maintain Mainframe COBOL & JCL to meet support and/or project requirements.
Interface with business and IT teams to understand business requirements and translate business requirements into formal technical requirements and application code.
Develop and execute unit test and integration plans/scripts to validate that application changes meet technical specifications.
Responsible for full System Development Life Cycle Participate in production support Provide Solution Delivery Methodology artifacts associated with application components.
Participate in technical reviews at appropriate stages of development.