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Mainframe Development Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

Mainframe Developer - Onsite Chicago, IL

Chicago, IL · On-site

$50.50 - $65/hr

Key Responsibilities Mainframe Development & Support • Develop, enhance, and maintain applications using COBOL, JCL, VSAM, and DB2. • Troubleshoot, debug, and resolve mainframe application issues ...

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.

Mainframe Developer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$50.50 - $65/hr

Familiarity with both Agile and Waterfall development methodologies. * Proven ability to design and optimize complex mainframe workflows and data structures . * Experience integrating mainframe ...

Mainframe Developer

Riverwoods, IL · On-site

$35 - $40/hr

The Mainframe Developer will be responsible for developing, enhancing, and maintaining mainframe ... Strong SQL and PL/SQL development skills. * Experience in batch processing and job scheduling ...

WordPress Preferred Skills: * ASP.NET Experience: * 5+ years of relevant experience in e-commerce development * Strong understanding of website performance, customization, and integrations

WordPress Preferred Skills: * ASP.NET Experience: * 5+ years of relevant experience in e-commerce development * Strong understanding of website performance, customization, and integrations

Mainframe EDI Developer

Glenview, IL · On-site

$48.25 - $62.25/hr

... Mainframe COBOL Proficient in DB2 / SQL MVS and JCL TSO / ISPF Good verbal and written ... development life-cycle Good troubleshooting skills Ability to work in team environment as well as ...

Mainframe Senior Developer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$50.50 - $65/hr

... Development Lifecycle (SDLC) methodologies and Agile Framework. • Ensure peak software/system ... Required : • 15+ years of experience required in IBM mainframe experience • JCL • DB2 • ...

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Mainframe Development information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$10

$54

$74

How much do mainframe development jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe development in Chicago, IL is $54.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48.56 and $62.40 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.
Infographic showing various Mainframe Development job openings in Chicago, IL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 80% Physical, 10% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,373 per year, or $55 per hour.

Mainframe Developer

Seven Seven Software

Chicago, IL • On-site

$50.50 - $65/hr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

Qualifications
  • Minimum seven years of mainframe applications development and production support work experience
  • Solid application design, coding, testing, maintenance and debugging skills
  • Proficient with the various mainframe development tools and software including zEKE, CA7, Changeman, Endevor, CA-View, File-Aid, and Abend-Aid
  • Expert knowledge on mainframe programming languages and technologies namely COBOL, DB2, JCL, CICS, Mainframe MQ, VSAM and NDM
  • Strong understanding of the concept of relational databases with concrete DB2 SQL skill

Plusses
  • Experience with Compute Grid
  • Background on Websphere Application Server hosted on zOS

Job Requirements