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Mainframe Operator Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

$57.25 - $77.50/hr

Maintain and support the integrity of a variety of operating system environments (i.e.. Windows ... Strong proficiency with TSO/ISPF, VSAM, ABEND-AID, and Mainframe debugging and troubleshooting.

Office Associate II

Stafford, VA

$17 - $22.75/hr

... mainframe applications. (Those positions working with the mail may have to have some knowledge of the postal regulations and locations of various departments.) Skills- Skill in: operating personal ...

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Mainframe Operator information

See Virginia salary details

$10

$52

$71

How much do mainframe operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe operator in Virginia is $52.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46.73 and $60.05 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 Virginia? The most popular types of Mainframe Operator jobs in Virginia are:
What job categories do people searching Mainframe Operator jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Mainframe Operator jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Mainframe Operator jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Mainframe Operator job openings:
Infographic showing various Mainframe Operator job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 42% Full Time, and 58% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $110,074 per year, or $52.9 per hour.
Information Technology Specialist

Information Technology Specialist

US Department of the Treasury

Staunton, VA • On-site

$125K/yr

Other

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


U.S. Department Of The Treasury rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

245th of 703 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

WHAT IS INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY?
A description of the business units can be found at: https://www.jobs.irs.gov/about/who/business-divisions
  • Position(s) are to be filled in following area(s):
    • IT -

REVIEW THE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION BELOW FOR FURTHER DETAILSQualifications:

Federal experience is not required. Experience may have been gained in the public sector, private sector or through Volunteer Service. One year of experience refers to full-time work; part-timework is considered on a prorated basis. To ensure full credit for your work experience, please indicate dates of employment by month/day/year, and indicate number of hours worked per week, on your resume.
You must meet the following requirements by the closing date of this announcement..
QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To qualify for this position, you must meet the qualification requirements outlined below:
Minimum requirements for Grade 12 and UP (GS or Equivalent) Applicants must have Information Technology related experience demonstrating each of the following nine competencies: 1) Attention to Detail, 2) Customer Service, 3) Decision Making, 4) Information Management, 5) Interpersonal Skills, 6) Oral Communication, 7) Problem Solving, 8)Team Work and 9) Technical Competence.
Specialized Experience GS-14 Level: You must have one year of specialized experience at a level of difficulty and responsibility equivalent to the GS-13 grade level in the Federal service. Specialized experience for this position includes: Leading or coordinating IT projects, application-related efforts, operational initiatives, or system-related activities that affect multiple users, teams, programs, or business processes. Applying IT principles, concepts, methods, and practices to evaluate requirements; resolve technical issues; guide system, application, or code testing and configuration decisions; and ensure technical documentation and federal cybersecurity, privacy, or regulatory requirements are addressed. Engaging customers, stakeholders, users, product or business owners, and technical teams to define business or technical requirements, communicate technical impacts, and guide delivery of secure, reliable, scalable IT solutions. Evaluating system, service, or application performance, availability, reliability, security controls, usability, and operational effectiveness; identifying risks, issues, defects, or gaps; and leading corrective actions or improvement efforts. Analyzing competing technical approaches and providing authoritative recommendations to management, stakeholders, or IT specialists on the selection, design, configuration, implementation, or improvement of IT solutions with organizational impact.

  • Led the planning, implementation, modernization, and maintenance of enterprise IBM mainframe environments, ensuring high availability, reliability, performance, and compliance with organizational and operational requirements.
  • Directed system upgrades, hardware refreshes, and infrastructure improvements to support mission-critical business operations and continuity of service.
  • Analyzed, diagnosed, and resolved complex issues involving IBM z/OS hardware, operating systems, and supporting infrastructure. Provided expert technical guidance and recommendations to senior leadership, systems programmers, engineers, and technical staff on system performance, operational readiness, risk mitigation, and strategic technology initiatives.
  • Served as an IBM z/OS Systems Programmer responsible for the installation, configuration, and integration of mainframe hardware and storage peripherals. Performed equipment planning, rack layout design, cabling coordination, power requirements analysis, and implementation activities to support enterprise computing operations.
  • Managed and maintained Input/Output Definition Files (IODFs) using Hardware Configuration Definition (HCD) and Hardware Configuration Manager (HCM), ensuring accurate hardware configuration, resource allocation, and system integrity across production and non-production environments.
  • Administered and configured Hardware Configuration Manager (HCM), Server Time Protocol (STP), cryptographic hardware, and Integrated Cryptographic Service Facility (ICSF) components to support secure, synchronized, and compliant enterprise mainframe operations.
  • Implemented and maintained Coupling Facilities and related Parallel Sysplex infrastructure, supporting high availability, workload balancing, data sharing, and enterprise resiliency. Planned, installed, configured, tested, and supported IBM mainframe software products and system-level components.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional technical teams, project stakeholders, and vendor service personnel to plan, coordinate, and execute hardware and software installations, system upgrades, maintenance activities, and problem resolution efforts. Fostered productive working relationships to ensure timely project completion and operational excellence.


AND
You must also meet the following requirement(s):

  • PERFORMANCE RATING: Current federal employees must have at least a fully successful or equivalent performance rating to receive consideration.
  • TIME AFTER COMPETITIVE APPOINTMENT (TACA): By the closing date (or if this is an open continuous announcement, by the cut-off date) specified in this job announcement, current civilian employees must have completed at least 90 days of federal civilian service since their latest non-temporary appointment from a competitive referral certificate, known as time after competitive appointment. For this requirement, a competitive appointment is one where you applied to and were appointed from an announcement open to "All US Citizens"
  • TIME IN GRADE (TIG): Federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements. For positions above the GS-05,applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year (52 weeks) at the next lower grade level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the grade you are applying for. For positions at the GS-05, you cannot advance to the GS-05 if you have held a GS-02 in the past 52 weeks. There is no TIG restriction for GS-02, 03, or 04 positions.
  • MINIMUM AGE REQUIREMENT: Minimum age for federal employment is 18 years old, or at least 16 years old and have:
    • Graduated from high school or been awarded a certificate equivalent to graduating from high school; or
    • Completed a formal vocational training program; or
    • Received a statement from school authorities agreeing with your preference for employment rather than continuing your education.


For more information on qualifications please refer to OPM's Qualifications Standards.

Education:A college or university degree generally must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools which meet these criteria, please refer to Department of Education Accreditation page.
FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. Click here (Section 3, Explanation of Terms) or here for Foreign Education Credentialing instructions.
We recommend choosing an evaluator from a member organization of one of the following national associations of credential evaluation services: National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or Association of International Credentials Evaluators (AICE).Employment Type: OTHER

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