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Mainframe Engineer Salary Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Stefanini

Mainframe Developer

Dearborn, MI · On-site

$45.25 - $58/hr

Stefanini is looking for a Mainframe Developer(Dearborn, MI) For quick apply, please reach out to ... Listed salary ranges may vary based on experience, qualifications, and local market. Also, some ...

Ensono

Senior Software Engineer - Mainframe

$50.25 - $64.50/hr

This role requires a highly skilled and experienced Senior Mainframe Developer with 8+ Years of ... In addition to base salary, other compensation programs, depending on eligibility, include an ...

KeyBank

Mainframe Developer

$80K - $150K/yr

IBM Mainframe z/OS * COBOL programming * DB2 and Stored Procedures * JCL (Job Control Language ... Hybrid (2+ days) COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS This position is eligible to earn a base salary in the ...

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Mainframe Engineer Salary information

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$10

$53

$72

How much do mainframe engineer salary jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe engineer salary 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 engineers make $300,000 a year?

Mainframe engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills in legacy systems, and certifications such as IBM Certified System Programmer can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $300,000 annually, especially in senior or managerial roles. High compensation often reflects expertise in mainframe architecture, security, and performance optimization, typically within large organizations or financial institutions.

What is the difference between Mainframe Engineer Salary vs Mainframe Developer Salary?

AspectMainframe Engineer SalaryMainframe Developer Salary
Required CredentialsCertifications like IBM Certified Specialist, relevant degreesSimilar certifications and degrees as Mainframe Engineer
Work EnvironmentLarge enterprise data centers, financial institutionsFinancial, government, and large corporate IT teams
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in banking, insurance, government sectorsSame industries, often overlapping roles
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Both Mainframe Engineers and Mainframe Developers typically require similar certifications and work in comparable environments within large enterprises. Salary differences are often minimal and depend on experience, location, and specific employer needs.

What factors can influence the salary range for a Mainframe Engineer role?

Several factors can impact the salary range for Mainframe Engineers, including years of experience, specific technical expertise (such as COBOL, JCL, or z/OS administration), and the complexity of the systems managed. Salaries may also vary based on industry, with finance and healthcare sectors often offering higher compensation due to mission-critical mainframe operations. Additionally, geographic location and the size of the employer can play a significant role in determining salary levels.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Mainframe engineers with extensive experience, specialized skills in COBOL, JCL, and mainframe systems, and certifications can earn salaries around $200,000 annually. Senior roles in large organizations or those working in high-demand industries may also reach this compensation level.

How much do mainframe engineers make?

Mainframe engineers typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in COBOL, JCL, or mainframe security can earn higher salaries. Many employers also offer benefits such as bonuses and retirement plans.

What is the average salary of a Mainframe Engineer?

The average salary of a Mainframe Engineer in the United States typically ranges from $80,000 to $120,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and specific industry. Entry-level positions may start around $70,000, while highly experienced engineers or those in specialized roles can earn upwards of $130,000 annually. Factors such as certifications, expertise in particular mainframe systems, and the size of the employer also influence salary levels.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

A Mainframe Engineer can earn $500,000 annually, typically at senior levels or in specialized roles involving mainframe systems, legacy technology, and high-demand skills like COBOL, JCL, or mainframe security. Such salaries are often found in large corporations or financial institutions and may include bonuses and benefits for highly experienced professionals. Achieving this level usually requires extensive experience, certifications, and expertise in mainframe environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Mainframe Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Mainframe Engineer, you need deep expertise in mainframe operating systems (such as z/OS), COBOL or similar mainframe languages, and a relevant degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with tools like IBM z/OS, JCL, CICS, DB2, and mainframe security protocols, as well as certifications such as IBM Certified System Programmer, are typically expected. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are essential soft skills in this role. These competencies are vital to ensure system stability, data security, and the efficient operation of critical enterprise applications.
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Mainframe Engineer Salary jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mainframe Engineer Salary job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,026 per year, or $53.4 per hour.
Mainframe Systems Engineer, Senior

Mainframe Systems Engineer, Senior

Imagine One Technology & Management Ltd

Charleston, SC • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Imagine One Technology & Management, Ltd. is seeking a Senior Mainframe Systems Engineer, contingent upon award of the associated work. This position will be based in Charleston, SC.

The Senior Mainframe Systems Engineer is responsible for analyzing, planning, designing, and documenting application installation and operations within z/OS-based mainframe Business Information Systems (BIS). This role leads infrastructure planning, application support, infrastructure analysis and assessment, and infrastructure testing and troubleshooting activities supporting enterprise Marine Corps pay and personnel systems.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead engineering and operational support of z/OS-based mainframe environments.
  • Analyze, plan, design, and document application installations and infrastructure changes.
  • Integrate COBOL/CICS applications into z/OS environments.
  • Perform infrastructure analysis, assessment, testing, and troubleshooting.
  • Support performance tuning and security configuration analysis.
  • Provide technical input to architecture documentation, SIAs, MOAs, and RFAs.
  • Support Risk Management Framework (RMF) / MCAAP-aligned engineering activities.
  • Develop operational and system-level architecture views.
  • Support production control, release management, and mainframe engineering activities as required.

Desired Experience:

  • 10+ years engineering and operating z/OS-based mainframe Business Information Systems.
  • 5+ years integrating COBOL/CICS applications into z/OS environments.
  • 2+ years engineering systems within MCAAP or other Risk Management Framework implementations.
  • Experience in concept exploration, requirements definition, systems design, integration testing, and evaluation within complex enterprise environments.
  • Experience developing operational and system-level architecture views.

Minimum Certifications:

  • IAT Level II baseline certification required.

Security Requirements:

  • U.S. Citizen.
  • Active Secret clearance required.

Imagine One offers a full package of benefits and competitive salary, excellent group medical, vision, and dental programs. 401K savings plan; $4K annual tuition reimbursement ($5K if pursuing master’s degree); employee training, development, and education programs; profit sharing; advancement opportunities; and much more!

ISO 9001:2015, ISO 20000-1:2018, ISO 27001:2022
CMMI Development and Services - Maturity Level 3
CMMC Level 2 (C3PAO)
An Employee-Owned Business

EEO/Vets/Disabled