ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Mainframe Operator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

WATI

Sr Mainframe Systems Programmer

Downey, CA · On-site

$56.75 - $72.25/hr

Sr Mainframe Systems Programmer Location: Downey, CA, 90242 Duration: 12 Months Position Description A Mainframe Systems Programmer/DBA is responsible for leading and/or supporting the most complex ...

Ensono

Director, Mainframe Systems Programming

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$59.25 - $75.50/hr

Director, Mainframe Systems ProgrammingRemote - United StatesJR013766 At Ensono, our Purpose is to ... operating as a strategic service delivery partner. • Leverage systems, data, and metrics to drive ...

WATI

Mainframe Applications Programmer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

Mainframe Applications Programmer Sacramento, CA Long-term The client hosts a number of critical enterprise applications on mainframe system including the Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS)

Broadcom

SYSVIEW, OPS/MVS, NetMaster, Mainframe Application Tuner, etc., that is, a specialist of the highest technical caliber. The senior consultant provides assistance and recommendations to management and ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsMainframe Operator JobsMainframe Operator Jobs in California

Mainframe Operator information

See California salary details

$9

$52

$71

How much do mainframe operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 6, 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 the salary of mainframe system operator?

The salary of a mainframe operator typically ranges from $50,000 to $85,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Experienced operators with specialized skills in mainframe environments and tools like z/OS can earn higher salaries, especially in large organizations or tech hubs.

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.

Can mainframe be replaced by AI?

Mainframe operators manage large-scale, critical computing systems that require high reliability and security. While AI can automate certain tasks like monitoring and troubleshooting, it is unlikely to fully replace mainframe operators due to the complexity and specialized knowledge needed to maintain these systems. Human oversight remains essential for ensuring system stability and addressing unique issues.

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.

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 work with specialized software, follow strict procedures, and may need certifications in computer operations or related fields.

Is mainframe a good career option?

Mainframe operators manage large-scale computer systems used by many organizations for critical data processing. The role requires technical skills, knowledge of mainframe environments, and often certifications like IBM Certified System Administrator. It can be a stable career with opportunities in finance, government, and large enterprises, though the industry is gradually evolving with new technologies.

What is a Mainframe Operator job?

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 most commonly searched types of Mainframe Operator jobs in California? The most popular types of Mainframe Operator jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Mainframe Operator jobs in California? For Mainframe Operator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles 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:
Mainframe Operator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mainframe Operator job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 48% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 46% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,572 per year, or $52.7 per hour.

Sr Mainframe Systems Programmer

WATI

Downey, CA • On-site

$56.75 - $72.25/hr

Other

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Sr Mainframe Systems Programmer

Location: Downey, CA, 90242

Duration: 12 Months

Position Description

A Mainframe Systems Programmer/DBA is responsible for leading and/or supporting the most complex database upgrade projects, modification, installation, testing, implementation, maintenance and enhancements of new or existing system software products. This classification must plan, install, configure, test, implement and manage core database products, software products in support of the County’s database architecture and business needs. Special organizational or functional industry position titles for Systems Programmer/DBA include, but are not limited to, DB2 Systems Programmer/DBA, IMS Systems Programmer/DBA and ADABAS/NATURAL Systems Programmer/DBA.

Skills Required

The Mainframe Systems Programmer/DBA for Legacy Systems manages different types of databases, such as hierarchical (IMS), relational (DB2), and file-based (ADABAS), and is responsible for planning and upgrading the database environments on a County-established basis; verifying the health of all the databases; database administration technical consulting for application and operations teams for the purpose of project planning/development; maintenance on production database systems; performance of technical reviews for existing systems that utilize one of the following database management systems (DBMS): ADABAS, DB2 or IMS; performance of evaluations for the purposes of selecting new or fine-tuning existing DBMS software; consultation with project development teams to provide recommendations on database design; development of logical and physical database designs; creation of overviews of logical database designs; creation of physical databases; database capacity planning; development and use of backup and recovery procedures for databases; database performance monitoring; database space monitoring; database reorganizations; database replication; database compression and database partitioning.

The following technology skill sets are required to perform in this classification.

IBM: Z/OS, IMS, DB2, ADABAS, SMP/E, JCL, IMS DB/DC, CICS, ACF2, ASSEMBLER/COBOL/REXX, IBM FILE MANAGER, DELTA/IMS, NATURAL/SUPERNAT, ENTIREX, CA SPOOL, IMS & DB2 BMC Tools, N20/TRIM.

Skills Preferred

DB2,ADABAS and MQ Systems programming skills, Mainframe DBA Skills, SMP/E.

Experience Required

This classification must have a minimum of seven (7) years of experience as a Systems Programming/DBA, with at least three (3) years of that experience in a lead role.

Experience Preferred

7 Years of Experience in ADABAS/NATURAL systems programming.

12 Years of Experience in DB2 Systems programming.

5 Years of experience in ADABAS/DB2/MQ Database Administration.

5 Years of experience in BMC DB2 Admin tools.

Education Required

This classification requires the possession of a bachelor’s degree in an IT-related or engineering field.

Additional Information

Please do not submit Mainframe Application developer or Team Leads or Just DBA Profiles. This position is strictly Mainframe Systems programmer role with DBA Skills.

Apply