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Mainframe Development Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Mainframe Specialist

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$70K - $196K/yr

Lead the design, development, and modernization of mainframe applications, enforcing best practices and architectural standards. * Evaluate legacy systems and propose actionable modernization ...

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 ...

COBOL Developer

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$95K - $115K/yr

COBOL development experience * Experience with JCL, batch processing, or similar job scheduling ... COBOL - All Versions, Mainframe Application, IBM Mainframe, AS400, HP3000, HP9000, UNIX, Linux

Batch Operator

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$17.75 - $21.50/hr

... Software development, Web Development providing unexcelled services and focusing on both the ... Monitor mainframe jobs - Alert appropriate customers/programmers of potential problems. - Report ...

Team Leader-Burke

Nevada, IA · On-site

$70K - $82K/yr

... Mainframe, Microsoft Office) * Strong organizational skills along with a sense of urgency and personal accountability. * Self-Motivated and a strong commitment to personal development Training:

Buyer

Carroll, IA · On-site

... development and execution of strategic business plans. Position Responsibilities: * Reviewing ... Maintaining promotions, plans, and allowances in mainframe systems. * Communicating with suppliers ...

New

Buyer

Carroll, IA · On-site

... development and execution of strategic business plans. Position Responsibilities: * Reviewing ... Maintaining promotions, plans, and allowances in mainframe systems. * Communicating with suppliers ...

Health Unit Coordinator

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$16 - $21.75/hr

Personal computer, mainframe information systems experience preferred, database software. Requires ... Visit MercyOne Careers to learn more about the benefits, culture, and career development ...

Health Unit Coordinator

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$16 - $21.75/hr

Personal computer, mainframe information systems experience preferred, database software. Requires ... Visit MercyOne Careers to learn more about the benefits, culture, and career development ...

Health Unit Coordinator

Waterloo, IA · On-site

$16 - $21.75/hr

Personal computer, mainframe information systems experience preferred, database software. Requires ... Visit MercyOne Careers to learn more about the benefits, culture, and career development ...

... Cobol and mainframe. You are interested in solving some of the hardest problems in enterprise ... Minimum of 2 years Agentic AI, Software Development Lifecycle processes and technologies, including ...

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Mainframe Development information

See Iowa salary details

$25.9K

$82.5K

$131K

How much do mainframe development jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for mainframe development in Iowa is $82,495.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,059.00 and $101,910.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

Is mainframe development a good career?

Mainframe development is a stable career with high demand in industries like finance and government that rely on legacy systems. It requires knowledge of languages such as COBOL and tools like JCL, and often offers competitive salaries and job security due to the specialized skills involved.

Is mainframe development still in demand?

Mainframe development remains in demand in industries such as finance, government, and healthcare that rely on legacy systems for critical operations. Skilled mainframe developers with knowledge of COBOL, JCL, and mainframe environments are sought after to maintain and modernize these systems, ensuring their continued relevance in enterprise IT infrastructure.

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 collaborate with system administrators and analysts to ensure smooth operation of enterprise systems.
Infographic showing various Mainframe Development job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $82,495 per year, or $39.7 per hour.

Mainframe Developer - 3x Onsite in IA

Urbandale, IA • On-site

$46.25 - $59.50/hr

Other

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

We prefer someone Local / who live nearby (Open for non locals too)

Priority will be given for those who are willing to do Contract W2 compared to C2C

Mainframe Developer

Duration: 6+ Months contract
Work Arrangement: 3x Hybrid per week
Experience: minimum 6+ Years of Mainframes programming expereince

Required Skills
  • 6+ years of strong Mainframe development experience.
  • Strong hands-on experience with:
    • COBOL
    • JCL
    • CICS
    • DB2
    • IMS
    • Mainframe Batch Processing
    • SQL
  • Experience with CA7 or Tivoli scheduling tools.
  • Strong debugging and troubleshooting skills in a mainframe environment.
  • Experience with production support, application enhancements, and code migration.
  • Strong understanding of legacy/mainframe application environments.
  • Experience with GitHub and Jira.
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration skills.
  • Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively within an Agile team.