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Mainframe Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Purple Drive Technologies

Mainframe Developer

Omaha, NE · On-site

$46.75 - $60.25/hr

This role involves hands-on development, production support, and participation in modernization and decommissioning initiatives for legacy mainframe systems. The ideal candidate has deep technical ...

Seven Seven Software

Mainframe Developer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$50.50 - $65/hr

Minimum seven years of mainframe applications development and production support work experience * Solid application design, coding, testing, maintenance and debugging skills * Proficient with the ...

Broadcom

Mainframe Software Development Engineer

Lisle, IL · On-site

$48.25 - $62.25/hr

... of mainframe development experience • Has mastered the basics of operating as a developer in the IBM mainframe environment • Mainframe Assembler, Metal C, Java and Rest APIs • Mainframe ...

ACS Consultancy Services

COBOL/Mainframe Developer

Albany, NY · On-site

$48.75 - $62.50/hr

Strong background in DB2 database development and SQL for data manipulation and query optimization. * Hands-on experience using Endevor for source code management and version control in mainframe ...

NasTech Global, Inc.

Mainframe Engineer

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$47 - $60.50/hr

Contract W2 Roles & Responsibilities Mainframe Development background in design, analysis and coding: DB2, CICS, JCL Batch and Focus Tools - Changeman, IBM debug tool, Fault Analyzer, IBM DB2 Query ...

Spectra Group

$50/hr

Y Working hours: 7.5 Hours Daily Toronto, ON Hybrid -2 Days Onsite Per Week Rate: $50/hr on Inc (7.5 Hours/Day) Qualifications • Typically 3-5 years of mainframe development experience or ...

Nastech Global

Mainframe Engineer

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$47 - $60.50/hr

Contract W2 Roles & Responsibilities Mainframe Development background in design, analysis and coding: DB2, CICS, JCL Batch and Focus Tools - Changeman, IBM debug tool, Fault Analyzer, IBM DB2 Query ...

Cognize Tech Solutions LLC

Mainframe Developer

Quincy, MA · On-site

$51.50 - $66.25/hr

Mainframe Developers (Solid work experience from Capital Markets and Mainframe Development in Fund Accounting (Accounting Platforms) area) Location : Quincy, MA Onsite/Hybrid : 4 days work from ...

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How much do mainframe development jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe development in the United States is $53.38, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47.12 and $60.58 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a mainframe developer do?

A mainframe developer designs, codes, tests, and maintains applications running on mainframe computers, often using languages like COBOL, PL/I, or Assembler. They work in environments that require high reliability and security, and typically use tools such as IBM z/OS and JCL to manage batch and online processing tasks.

What is the difference between Mainframe Development vs Mainframe Testing?

AspectMainframe DevelopmentMainframe Testing
Primary FocusDesigning, coding, and maintaining mainframe applicationsVerifying and validating mainframe applications for bugs and performance
Required SkillsCOBOL, JCL, DB2, CICSTesting tools, scripting, debugging, knowledge of mainframe environments
Work EnvironmentDevelopment teams, coding in mainframe environmentsQuality assurance teams, testing labs, mainframe systems
CertificationsCOBOL certifications, IBM mainframe certificationsISTQB, mainframe testing certifications

While Mainframe Development involves creating and maintaining mainframe applications, Mainframe Testing focuses on ensuring those applications work correctly and efficiently. Both roles require knowledge of mainframe environments and related skills, but they serve different stages in the software lifecycle.

Can mainframe be replaced by AI?

Mainframe development involves maintaining and programming large-scale, reliable computing systems used in industries like finance and government. While AI can automate certain tasks and improve efficiency, it is unlikely to fully replace mainframes due to their specialized hardware, security requirements, and high availability needs. Mainframe skills remain valuable for managing legacy systems and integrating new technologies.

Is mainframe still in demand?

Mainframe development remains in demand in industries such as finance, insurance, and government, where large-scale transaction processing and data security are critical. Skilled mainframe programmers with knowledge of COBOL, JCL, and mainframe environments are sought after for maintaining and modernizing legacy systems. The demand is steady due to the high cost and complexity of replacing mainframe infrastructure.

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 tools may earn higher salaries. Compensation often includes benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.
More about Mainframe Development jobs
What cities are hiring for Mainframe Development jobs? Cities with the most Mainframe Development job openings:
What states have the most Mainframe Development jobs? States with the most job openings for Mainframe Development jobs include:
Mainframe Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mainframe Development job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, and 99% Full Time. Highlights an 83% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,026 per year, or $53.4 per hour.

Mainframe Developer

Purple Drive Technologies

Omaha, NE • On-site

$46.75 - $60.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

Overview:
Job Title: Mainframe Developer
Location: Onsite - Omaha, NE / Remote
Experience Required: 10+ Years
Employment Type: Contract
Role Overview
We are seeking a highly experienced Mainframe Developer to support, modernize, and maintain enterprise mainframe applications. This role involves hands-on development, production support, and participation in modernization and decommissioning initiatives for legacy mainframe systems. The ideal candidate has deep technical expertise, strong problem-solving skills, and experience operating in mission-critical environments.
Key Responsibilities
Mainframe Development & Modernization
  • Design, develop, and enhance COBOL-based mainframe applications to support system improvements.
  • Contribute to mainframe modernization and decommissioning efforts, including refactoring and system transitions.
Production & Batch Support
  • Provide production support, including incident resolution and root-cause analysis.
  • Perform batch job monitoring and support, ensuring successful and timely processing.
  • Participate in firecall/on-call support rotations to address critical production issues.
System Operations & Maintenance
  • Maintain and troubleshoot applications using DB2, VSAM, JCL, and CICS.
  • Ensure application stability, performance, and data integrity across mainframe systems.
Collaboration & Documentation
  • Work closely with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality solutions.
  • Document technical changes, support procedures, and operational runbooks.
Required Skills & Qualifications
  • 10+ years of hands-on experience as a Mainframe Developer.
  • Strong expertise in Enterprise COBOL, JCL, DB2, VSAM, and CICS.
  • Experience with batch processing, scheduling, and monitoring.
  • Hands-on experience with Topaz or similar mainframe development tools.
  • Proven experience supporting production environments and handling critical incidents.
  • Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and communication skills.
Key Competencies
  • Ability to work independently and in distributed teams
  • Strong ownership of application stability and support
  • Adaptability to modernization initiatives and evolving technologies
  • Calm and effective response in high-pressure production situations
Technical Skills
Enterprise COBOL | JCL | DB2 | VSAM | CICS | System Z | Batch Processing | Topaz | Mainframe Modernization | Production Support

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