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Mainframe Programmer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

RIT Solutions, Inc.

Mainframe Programmer

Tampa, FL · On-site

Title- Mainframe Programmer Location: Hopkins, MN - hybrid 3x/week Duration: 8+ month contract Responsibilities: 1. Data validation/comparison 2. Work with downstream system groups to transmit and ...

eTeam

Mainframe Programmer

Irving, TX · On-site

Mainframe Programmer Job Role: Mainframe Programmer Duration: 6 months with possible extension Location: Irving, TX, Chicago, IL, Charlotte, NC, Milwaukee, WI 53005, Atlanta, GA, New York, NY ...

eTeam

Mainframe Programmer

Brookfield, WI · On-site

Mainframe Programmer Job Role: Mainframe Programmer Duration: 6 months with possible extension Location: Irving, TX, Chicago, IL, Charlotte, NC, Milwaukee, WI 53005, Atlanta, GA, New York, NY ...

eTeam

Mainframe Programmer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Mainframe Programmer Job Role: Mainframe Programmer Duration: 6 months with possible extension Location: Irving, TX, Chicago, IL, Charlotte, NC, Milwaukee, WI 53005, Atlanta, GA, New York, NY ...

eTeam

Mainframe Programmer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

Mainframe Programmer Job Role: Mainframe Programmer Duration: 6 months with possible extension Location: Irving, TX, Chicago, IL, Charlotte, NC, Milwaukee, WI 53005, Atlanta, GA, New York, NY ...

PeopleServe

Mainframe Programmer

Boston, MA · On-site

Mainframe Programmer The Expertise You Have: * 10+ years of experience as a day-to-day Mainframe Developer working with COBOL, CICS, DB2, JCL, VSAM, MQ, etc. * Demonstrated Experience with mainframe ...

eTeam Inc.

Mainframe Programmer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

Mainframe Programmer Job Role: Mainframe Programmer Duration: 6 months with possible extension Location: Irving, TX, Chicago, IL, Charlotte, NC, Milwaukee, WI 53005, Atlanta, GA, New York, NY ...

eTeam

Mainframe Programmer

Charlotte, NC · On-site

Mainframe Programmer Location: Charlotte, NC - 3 days a week in office 28202 (Remote possible) Duration: 6 months contract with possible extension FMR is a mission-critical financial reporting ...

Infojini Inc

Mainframe Programmer

Raleigh, NC

Mainframe Programmer Location: 501 N. Wilmington St. Raleigh NC 27604 Duration: 12+ Months Client: Direct Client Mode of Interview: Inperson Required skills: Experience developing/maintaining ...

eTeam

Mainframe Programmer

Coppell, TX · On-site

Job Title: Mainframe Programmer Work Location: Coppell, TX 75019 Contract duration: 12 months Must Have Skills---COBOL,CICS, DB2 Detailed COBOL, CICS, DB2, MQ, JCL. olution delivery and high level ...

Tata Consultancy Services

Mainframe Programmer

Dallas, TX · On-site

$100K - $120K/yr

Mainframe Programmer This position was requested as a level 4 position with the expectation that the candidate would have leadership experience that would allow for coordinating the work of other ...

Diverse Lynx

Mainframe Programmer

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$120K - $130K/yr

Role: Mainframe Programmer Location: Minneapolis, MN /Dallas, TX/Charlotte/Atlanta Job Type: Fulltime Salary: $120K-$130K+Benefits This position was requested as a level 4 position with the ...

Scout ET

Mainframe Programmer

Pennington, NJ

Mainframe Programmer Location: Pennington, NJ Duration: 1 year Type: Contract jobs Estimated Duration: Long Term Contract Interview: Phone following to in-person. Onsite: On location at the Client ...

Diverse Lynx

Mainframe Programmer

Dallas, TX · On-site

$120K - $130K/yr

Mainframe Programmer Location: Minneapolis, MN / Dallas, TX / Charlotte / Atlanta Job Type: Fulltime Salary: $120K-$130K+Benefits This position was requested as a level 4 position with the ...

Diverse Lynx

Mainframe Programmer

Charlotte, NC · On-site

$120K - $130K/yr

Mainframe Programmer Location: Minneapolis, MN / Dallas, TX / Charlotte / Atlanta Job Type: Fulltime Salary: $120K-$130K+Benefits This position was requested as a level 4 position with the ...

Diverse Lynx

Mainframe Programmer

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$120K - $130K/yr

Mainframe Programmer Location: Minneapolis, MN / Dallas, TX / Charlotte / Atlanta Job Type: Fulltime Salary: $120K-$130K+Benefits This position was requested as a level 4 position with the ...

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Mainframe Programmer information

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How much do mainframe programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe programmer in the United States is $54.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47.12 and $63.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a mainframe programmer do?

A mainframe programmer writes, tests, and maintains software for large-scale mainframe computers, often using languages like COBOL, PL/I, or Assembler. They work on critical business applications, ensure system stability, and may troubleshoot hardware or software issues in a mainframe environment.

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

To thrive as a Mainframe Programmer, you need a solid understanding of COBOL, JCL, DB2, and general mainframe architecture, often supported by a degree in computer science or related experience. Familiarity with tools like IBM z/OS, TSO/ISPF, and source control systems such as Endevor or Changeman is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication set top performers apart in this role. These abilities are critical for maintaining legacy systems, ensuring data integrity, and supporting business-critical operations in large organizations.

What are some common challenges Mainframe Programmers face when working on legacy systems?

Mainframe Programmers often encounter challenges such as understanding complex, decades-old codebases written in languages like COBOL or Assembler, and integrating these systems with modern technologies. Documentation may be sparse or outdated, requiring strong problem-solving and analytical skills to decipher business logic. Additionally, coordinating with cross-functional teams—including business analysts, testers, and infrastructure specialists—is essential to ensure smooth system updates and migrations. Adaptability and effective communication are key to overcoming these obstacles and supporting mission-critical applications.

What are Mainframe Programmers?

Mainframe Programmers are specialized software developers who design, write, test, and maintain code for mainframe computer systems. These professionals primarily work with legacy programming languages such as COBOL, JCL, and sometimes Assembler, to ensure critical business applications run smoothly and securely. They are often employed in industries like banking, insurance, and government where mainframe systems remain essential for processing large volumes of transactions. Mainframe Programmers also troubleshoot system issues, optimize performance, and may assist in system upgrades or migrations.

Can mainframe be replaced by AI?

Mainframe programmers work with large-scale, legacy systems that often require specialized knowledge of mainframe environments, programming languages, and tools like COBOL and JCL. While AI can assist with automation and code analysis, it is unlikely to fully replace mainframe programmers in managing, maintaining, and developing critical enterprise systems in the near term.

How much do mainframe programmers make?

Mainframe programmers 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 command higher salaries. Compensation may also include benefits such as bonuses and retirement plans.

What is the difference between Mainframe Programmer vs Mainframe Developer?

AspectMainframe ProgrammerMainframe Developer
Primary RoleWriting, testing, and maintaining mainframe codeDesigning and developing mainframe applications and systems
Skills & CertificationsCOBOL, JCL, DB2, certifications in mainframe technologiesSimilar skills, often with additional focus on system design and architecture
Work EnvironmentMainframe environments in banking, finance, governmentSame environments, with broader development responsibilities
Job FocusCode implementation and troubleshootingApplication development and system integration

While both roles work within mainframe environments and share skills like COBOL and JCL, Mainframe Programmers primarily focus on coding and maintenance, whereas Mainframe Developers are involved in designing and developing new applications and systems. The roles often overlap, but the developer role typically encompasses a broader scope in application lifecycle management.

What is the salary of a mainframe developer?

The salary of a mainframe developer typically ranges from $70,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in COBOL, JCL, or mainframe security may earn higher salaries. Compensation often includes benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.

What Does a Mainframe Programmer Do?

As a mainframe programmer, your job is to design and program applications for mainframe computers, which are powerful machines that help to run many commercial and industrial processes. In this role, you may conduct an analysis of existing software to ensure it is as error-free as possible, help test new software, and implement software in a way that makes it easy for users to access. Mainframe programmers often use coding languages like COBOL, C++, SQL, Java, and CLIST when programming software. Somewhat unusually, most companies prefer to stick with specific coding languages even when they are not necessarily the best language for the job in order to reduce complexity and the risk of errors.

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Mainframe Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mainframe Programmer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 14% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 83% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,558 per year, or $54.1 per hour.
Mainframe Programmer

Mainframe Programmer

RIT Solutions, Inc.

Tampa, FL • On-site

Other

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Title- Mainframe Programmer
Location: Hopkins, MN - hybrid 3x/week
Duration: 8+ month contract
Responsibilities:
1. Data validation/comparison
2. Work with downstream system groups to transmit and test data files
3. Work with tech team to determine when/how to decommission the mainframe files (to meet go-live in May 2025 we need to continue to use mainframe files but then post-go live will look at pulling off mainframe and decommissioning )
Required Skills:
- Looking for someone with experience in mainframe FOCUS and mainframe COBOL
- They should be experienced with IBM JCL, and IBM procedures
- Need someone to be able to read and interpret code but not write any new programs on the mainframe
- Looking for senior level experience
Preferred Skills:
Autosys transmissions, file compares using File Manager.

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