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Mainframe Programmer Contract Jobs in California

AditiStaffing

SAS Programmer

Oakland, CA

... Contract Description Need to know programming in SAS and the SAS Macro language in Unix/Window/Mainframe environment; SAS Enterprise Business Intelligence Solution design and development of reports;

Judge Group, Inc.

Software Engineer

San Francisco, CA · Hybrid

$79 - $85/hr

Senior Software Engineer - Python / PySpark (Mainframe Modernization) Location: San Francisco, CA (333 Market St) Work Model: Hybrid - 3 days per week in office (required) Contract Duration: 24-month ...

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How much do mainframe programmer contract jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe programmer contract in California is $53.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46.49 and $62.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Mainframe Programmer Contract job?

A Mainframe Programmer Contract job is a temporary position where a programmer develops, maintains, and troubleshoots software applications running on mainframe systems. Contractors are typically hired for specific projects or to fill short-term gaps in an organization's IT team. They work with legacy programming languages like COBOL, JCL, and assembler to ensure the smooth operation of critical business applications. Contract durations vary based on project needs and may be extended or converted into full-time roles. These roles often require experience with mainframe environments such as IBM z/OS.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Mainframe Programmer Contract position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Mainframe Programmer Contract, you need deep expertise in COBOL, JCL, and mainframe operating systems, often backed by a computer science degree or equivalent experience. Familiarity with tools like IBM z/OS, TSO/ISPF, DB2, and knowledge of middleware or integration technologies is highly valuable and sometimes enhanced by relevant certifications. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication are important soft skills for this position. These competencies enable you to efficiently maintain legacy systems, troubleshoot complex issues, and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.

What typical responsibilities can contractors expect in a Mainframe Programmer role?

As a Mainframe Programmer on a contract basis, you will often be responsible for writing, updating, and maintaining code in languages such as COBOL or PL/I, managing batch processing jobs, and performing data migrations or system integrations. You may also debug existing mainframe applications, resolve performance issues, and collaborate closely with business analysts, QA teams, and system administrators to meet project objectives. Contractors are frequently engaged in system upgrades or modernization initiatives, which require flexibility and strong problem-solving abilities. Project scopes and daily tasks can vary depending on the organization’s reliance on mainframe systems and current technical goals.

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Mainframe Programmer Contract jobs near you
Sr Mainframe Programmer

Sr Mainframe Programmer

Pyramid Technology Solutions, Inc.

Downey, CA • On-site

Other

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

Job description

Job Role: Sr Mainframe Programmer

Location: Downey, CA

Duration: 12 Months Contract

Is this role located on-site, hybrid, or remote?: Onsite

Position Description:

A Senior Application Programmer for Mainframe Systems is responsible for leading and/or working on the most complex IT applications design, documentation, development, modification, testing, installation, implementation, and support of new or existing applications software. The Senior Application Programmer for Mainframe Systems is responsible for analyzing and refining systems requirements; translating systems requirements into applications prototypes; planning and designing systems architecture; writing, debugging and maintaining code; determining and designing applications architecture; determining output media/formats; designing user interfaces; working with customers to test applications; assuring software and systems quality and functionality; integrating hardware and software components; writing and maintaining program documentation; evaluating new applications software technologies; and/or ensuring the rigorous application of information security/information assurance policies, principles and practices to the delivery of application software services.     

 

Skills Required:

The Senior Application Programmer for Mainframe Systems will possess knowledge and experience in applications software development principles and methods sufficient to participate in the design, development, testing and implementation of new or modified applications software; organization’s operational environment; software design principles, methods and approaches; principles, methods and procedures for designing, developing, optimizing and integrating new and/or reusable systems components; pertinent government regulations; infrastructure requirements, database management principles and methodologies, including data structures, data modeling, data warehousing and transaction processing; functionality and operability of the current operating environment; systems engineering concepts and factors such as structured design, supportability, reliability, scalability and maintainability; optimization concepts and methods; establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work; and speak and write effectively and prepare effective reports.     

 

Additional Skills Required:

Strong background using IMS, JCL, CICS, and SPUFI via COBOL and DB2.    

 

Experience Required:

This classification must have a minimum of seven (7) years of experience in electronic data processing systems design and programming with one or more of the software set forth below. LANGUAGES: COBOL, Natural/ SuperNatural, IMS/DB/DC, DB2/SQL, Assembler, SAS, CICS; MF FOCUS; TOOLS/UTILITIES: MVS JCL, MVS TSO/ISPF, IBM OPTIM, FILE Manager, SPUFI, ICEMAN/ICETOOLS, SORT, VSAM, CLIST, FTP, DYL260/280, CA Gen (CoolGen), CA Endevor, CA Spool, CA OM Web Viewer, IBM Websphere, Debugger, N2O; DATABASES: DB2, IMS, ADABAS, FOCUS; OS: z/OS; OTHER: EntireX, ASP, HTML, Cloverleaf.

 

Additional Experience Required:

Minimum of five (5) years of experience with IMS/DB2/COBOL/CICS programming in a mainframe environment.           

 

Education Required:

This classification requires the possession of a bachelor’s degree in an IT-related or Computer Science field. Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.       

 

Additional Information:

This assignment will require onsite work 5 days (M-F) per week initially and gradually allowing up to 2 days telework depending on the current project requirements

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