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Mainframe Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Mainframe Operator

Downey, CA ยท On-site

$50.75 - $65/hr

Mainframe Operator Location: Downey, CA Duration: 12 months Description: The Information Technology Mainframe Operator works under the direction of an Information Technology Systems Operations ...

Mainframe Developer

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$52.75 - $68/hr

Triunity Software is looking for a talented Mainframe professional to join our growing team in Los Angeles, CA. This is an exciting opportunity to work on mission-critical systems and make a real ...

Mainframe Developer

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$100K - $110K/yr

Triunity Software is looking for a talented Mainframe professional to join our growing team in Los Angeles, CA. This is an exciting opportunity to work on mission-critical systems and make a real ...

Mainframe Specialist

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$70K - $196K/yr

About the Role Are you a seasoned Mainframe Specialist with deep, hands-on command of COBOL, JCL, VSAM, CICS, DB2, Assembler, REXX, SPUFI, TSO/ISPF, and RACF? We are looking for exceptional talent to ...

Mainframe Specialist

Mountain View, CA ยท On-site

$70K - $196K/yr

About the Role Are you a seasoned Mainframe Specialist with deep, hands-on command of COBOL, JCL, VSAM, CICS, DB2, Assembler, REXX, SPUFI, TSO/ISPF, and RACF? We are looking for exceptional talent to ...

Mainframe Specialist

San Francisco, CA ยท On-site

$70K - $196K/yr

About the Role Are you a seasoned Mainframe Specialist with deep, hands-on command of COBOL, JCL, VSAM, CICS, DB2, Assembler, REXX, SPUFI, TSO/ISPF, and RACF? We are looking for exceptional talent to ...

Mainframe Specialist

Irvine, CA ยท On-site

$70K - $196K/yr

About the Role Are you a seasoned Mainframe Specialist with deep, hands-on command of COBOL, JCL, VSAM, CICS, DB2, Assembler, REXX, SPUFI, TSO/ISPF, and RACF? We are looking for exceptional talent to ...

Mainframe Specialist

Walnut Creek, CA ยท On-site

$70K - $196K/yr

About the Role Are you a seasoned Mainframe Specialist with deep, hands-on command of COBOL, JCL, VSAM, CICS, DB2, Assembler, REXX, SPUFI, TSO/ISPF, and RACF? We are looking for exceptional talent to ...

Mainframe Specialist

San Diego, CA ยท On-site

$70K - $196K/yr

About the Role Are you a seasoned Mainframe Specialist with deep, hands-on command of COBOL, JCL, VSAM, CICS, DB2, Assembler, REXX, SPUFI, TSO/ISPF, and RACF? We are looking for exceptional talent to ...

Mainframe Specialist

Sacramento, CA ยท On-site

$70K - $196K/yr

About the Role Are you a seasoned Mainframe Specialist with deep, hands-on command of COBOL, JCL, VSAM, CICS, DB2, Assembler, REXX, SPUFI, TSO/ISPF, and RACF? We are looking for exceptional talent to ...

At least 5 years of experience in Mainframe Technologies (COBOL, CICS, JCL, DB2) * At least 5 years of experience in handling reports and file systems in Mainframe * At least 3 years of experience in ...

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Mainframe Operator information

See California salary details

$9

$52

$71

How much do mainframe operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe operator in California is $52.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46.49 and $59.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a mainframe operator?

A Mainframe Operator monitors and controls mainframe computer systems, ensuring they run efficiently and without issues. They oversee batch processing, troubleshoot system errors, manage job scheduling, and perform routine maintenance. Their role is critical in maintaining uptime and performance for large-scale business operations. They also collaborate with IT teams to address system failures and optimize processes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the mainframe operator position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Mainframe Operator, you need a solid understanding of mainframe systems operations, batch processing, and problem-solving, often supported by an associate degree in IT or related experience. Familiarity with operating systems such as z/OS, job scheduling tools like CA-7 or Control-M, and knowledge of system monitoring utilities are typical requirements, with relevant certifications like IBM Mainframe Operator being a plus. Strong attention to detail, adaptability under pressure, and effective communication help operators excel in coordinating tasks and responding to issues. These skills ensure smooth, reliable mainframe operations that are critical for supporting core business functions.

What does a typical work shift look like for a mainframe operator?

A typical work shift for a Mainframe Operator can involve monitoring system performance, executing scheduled jobs, troubleshooting unexpected errors, and resolving user-reported issues. Many organizations operate their mainframes 24/7, so you may be expected to work evening, night, or weekend shifts as part of a rotating team. Collaboration with network administrators, systems programmers, and technical support staff is common to ensure system reliability and quick issue resolution. Throughout your shift, you'll need to document incidents and maintain communication logs for seamless transitions between shifts. This environment requires reliability, alertness, and a proactive approach to keeping core business processes running smoothly.

Are mainframe operator jobs in demand?

Mainframe operator jobs are in steady demand in industries such as finance, government, and healthcare that rely on large-scale legacy systems. These roles require knowledge of mainframe environments, such as IBM z/OS, and often involve maintaining and troubleshooting critical data processing tasks. While automation has reduced some positions, experienced operators with skills in mainframe security and scripting remain valuable.

What does a mainframe operator do?

A mainframe operator manages and monitors large-scale computer systems known as mainframes, ensuring their smooth operation, performing routine maintenance, and troubleshooting issues. They often use specialized software and follow strict procedures to maintain system security and performance, typically working in data centers or IT environments with shift schedules. Certification in mainframe technologies can enhance job prospects.

What are the most commonly searched types of Mainframe Operator jobs in California?

The most popular types of Mainframe Operator jobs in California are:

What job categories do people searching Mainframe Operator jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Mainframe Operator jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Mainframe Operator jobs?

Cities in California with the most Mainframe Operator job openings:

Infographic showing various Mainframe Operator job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 3% Temporary, and 16% Contract. Highlights an 87% In-person, 8% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,572 per year, or $52.7 per hour.

Mainframe Operator

Downey, CA โ€ข On-site

West Advanced Technologies (WATI)
Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturingย โ€ขย 1 - 10 employees

$50.75 - $65/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Position: Mainframe Operator
Location: Downey, CA
Duration: 12 months
Description:
The Information Technology Mainframe Operator works under the direction of an Information Technology Systems Operations Supervisor who manages and oversees all aspects of work for the IBM mainframe systems. The Information Technology Mainframe Operator starts and stops system tasks, monitors the system consoles for unusual conditions, and works with the system programming and production control staff to ensure the health and normal operation of the systems. The Information Technology Mainframe Operator is also responsible for starting and stopping the major subsystems, such as transaction processing systems, database systems, and the operating system itself. These "restart operations" include performing an orderly shutdown and startup of the system and its workloads when it is required. The Information Technology Mainframe Operator communicates with system programmers, who assist the operator in determining the proper course of action, and with the production control analyst, who works with the operator to make sure that production workloads are completing properly.
Skills Required:
The Information Technology Mainframe Operator will possess knowledge in decision making; organizational awareness; problem solving; oral communication and writing skills. The following technology skill sets are required to perform in this classification: IBM, Z/OS, CICS, NATURAL/SUPERNAT, IMS, DB2, ADABAS, ACF2, ENTIREX, SMP/E, ASSEMBLER/COBOL/REXX, CA SPOOL, JCL, CONTROL-M, IMS & DB2 BMC Tools, IMS DB/DC, VTAM, TCPIP, NETVIEW, HMC/HOD/IODF, Tivoli, MVM, JES2, ESF, Linux, Unix, p-Series, z-Series, & VTS.
Must have a minimum of five (5) years of experience as a mainframe operator, with at least two (2) years of that experience in operating and administering IBM System p-Series/z-Series platform. In addition, one (1) year of experience of operating on automation of system monitoring and maintenance procedures and experience in ITM System Monitoring or similar role.
Bachelor's degree in an IT-related and/or equivalent in mainframe operations field.
Skills/Exp Preferred:
1. Unix scripting
2. PL/SQL
3. Bash scripting
4. Automation
5. Operation System: AIX
6. Cobol
Regards,
Sangeetha
West Advanced Technologies, Inc.
Serving government agencies for 22 Years
E: sangeetha.p@wati.com, D: 279 895 6797
www.wati.com