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Mainframe Programmer Contract Jobs in Orlando, FL

Mainframe Programmer Contract information

See Orlando, FL salary details

$36

$50

$62

How much do mainframe programmer contract jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe programmer contract in Orlando, FL is $50.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43.99 and $59.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a mainframe programmer contract?

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 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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a mainframe programmer contract position?

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 are the most commonly searched types of Mainframe Programmer jobs in Orlando, FL?

The most popular types of Mainframe Programmer jobs in Orlando, FL are:

What job categories do people searching Mainframe Programmer Contract jobs in Orlando, FL look for?

The top searched job categories for Mainframe Programmer Contract jobs in Orlando, FL are:

What cities near Orlando, FL are hiring for Mainframe Programmer Contract jobs?

Cities near Orlando, FL with the most Mainframe Programmer Contract job openings:

Infographic showing various Mainframe Programmer Contract job openings in Orlando, FL as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Contract. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,075 per year, or $50.5 per hour.

Mainframe MQ Administration

Accord Technologies Inc.

Lake Mary, FL • On-site

$42.75 - $55/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 20 days ago


Job description

Mainframe MQ Systems Engineer/MQ Administration
Location: New York/New Jersey, Pittsburgh, or Lake Mary FL (Open to remote for the contract portion Onsite 4+ days when converted to FTE)
W2 Candidates only- Look for candidates within NY, FL, PA, NJ.
Must have: Mainframe systems engineering, Strong MQ Administration, CICS and TLS Security

Description :

Job responsibilities:

  • Collaborate with application teams in exploring most suited MQ implementation for their requirements.
  • Provision MQ infrastructure on mainframe z/OS and on distributed platform.
  • Understand, explain, configure, and support queue sharing group configurations, clusters, channel authentications on the mainframe, certificates, etc.
  • Have a broader understanding of mainframe dependencies to support capacity on the mainframe, IPL, and DR events.
  • Provide assistance on MQ related alerts and incidents.
  • Some basic level of understanding in how applications use MQ on the mainframe platform is expected.
  • Some basic level of mainframe application programming in COBOL is preferred.
  • Contribute on change management and DR related events.
  • Demonstrate high level of ownership and accountability.

 

To be successful in this role, we’re seeking the following: 

  • Bachelor's degree in computer science or a related discipline, or equivalent work experience required; advanced degree preferred.
  • 8+ years of related infrastructure experience required.
  • Experience in the securities or financial services industry is a plus.
  • 8+ years of experience in administering MQ in z/OS environment.
  • Strong knowledge of MQ Queue Sharing Groups, MQ clusters with mainframe QManager members, manage channel authentication in z/OS, TLS certificate management, and stream Queues.
  • Some understanding of MQ application programming experience in z/OS environment (either C, COBOL, or Java) and the infrastructure dependencies there.
  • Solid understanding of MQ DR events on mainframe and the underlying dependencies.
  • Good understanding of MQ upgrade process in z/OS environment.
  • Some basic understanding of security exits.
  • Good understanding of change management and incident practices.
  • Ability to multitask and manage deliverables under time pressure.
  • Understanding CICS logs for troubleshooting purposes is expected