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Mainframe Operator Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Mainframe Developer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$50.50 - $65/hr

Mainframe Developer Location: Chicago, IL & Richardson, TX Experience: Expert Level Employment Type: Contract * Expert-level proficiency in Mainframe technologies including COBOL, JCL, VSAM, DB2 ...

Mainframe Developer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$50.50 - $65/hr

MAINFRAME DEVELOPER Location: Chicago, IL (Full Onsite, Open to Relocating Candidates) Visa: Any visa except H1B We're looking for a Mainframe Developer to join our team! If you're experienced with ...

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 operating as a developer in the IBM mainframe environment • Mainframe Assembler, Metal C, Java and Rest APIs • Mainframe debugging skills using IPCS, VM Trace, XDC, etc. Preferred : • ...

Mainframe Senior Developer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$50.50 - $65/hr

... operating system environment, requiring expertise in DB2, COBOL, PL/1 programming, and CICS ... Required : • 15+ years of experience required in IBM mainframe experience • JCL • DB2 • ...

Mainframe DevOps Migration Developer Location: Remote - United States Skills: Endevor, IBM DBB, IBM Developer for z/OS (IDz), Git/GitHub, Jenkins, Artifactory, Groovy, YAML, CI/CD, JCL, COBOL ...

Mainframe Developer

Rosemont, IL · On-site

$49.25 - $63.50/hr

Mainframe Developer Location: Rosemont,IL Duration: Fulltime Mainframe-L2 (Mandatory) As a Lead, you are responsible for managing a small team of analysts, developers, testers or engineers and drive ...

Mainframe DevOps Migration Developer Location: Remote - United States Skills: Endevor, IBM DBB, IBM Developer for z/OS (IDz), Git/GitHub, Jenkins, Artifactory, Groovy, YAML, CI/CD, JCL, COBOL ...

Mainframe Developer

Chicago, IL

$50.50 - $65/hr

This highly customized system is based on Level 3 from AFS , built in COBOL and operating through a ... Strong diagnostic and problem-solving skills in complex mainframe environments. * Excellent written ...

Mainframe Developer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$50.50 - $65/hr

Mainframe Developer (12+ YEARS) Location: Chicago, IL • Required Years of Experience: At least 12+ years of relevant experience • 12+ years of experience as a Mainframe Developer Required Skills ...

Mainframe Developer

Rosemont, IL · On-site

$49.25 - $63.50/hr

Mainframe Developer Location: Rosemont,IL Duration: Fulltime Mainframe-L2 (Mandatory) As a Lead, you are responsible for managing a small team of analysts, developers, testers or engineers and drive ...

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Mainframe Operator information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$10

$54

$74

How much do mainframe operator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe operator 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 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.

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 Chicago, IL? The most popular types of Mainframe Operator jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What job categories do people searching Mainframe Operator jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Mainframe Operator jobs in Chicago, IL are:

$50.50 - $65/hr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


Job description

Overview:
Position: Mainframe Developer
Location: Chicago, IL & Richardson, TX
Experience: Expert Level
Employment Type: Contract
Job Description
  • Expert-level proficiency in Mainframe technologies including COBOL, JCL, VSAM, DB2, CICS, and IMS.
  • Strong hands-on experience with mainframe utilities and related tools.
  • Deep understanding of batch and online processing systems for enterprise-grade environments.
  • Familiarity with both Agile and Waterfall development methodologies.
  • Proven ability to design and optimize complex mainframe workflows and data structures.
  • Experience integrating mainframe systems with modern platforms and APIs.
  • Strong debugging and performance tuning skills to ensure reliability and efficiency.