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Mainframe Programmer Contract Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mainframe Developer

Harrisburg, PA

$48.25 - $62.25/hr

We have more than 30 IT Staffing Services contracts across USA and working closely with Fortune 500 ... Mainframe Developer Location: Harrisburg, PA Qualifications Mainframe Developer - Harrisburg, PA ...

mainframe developer

Dallas, TX · On-site

$48.50 - $62.25/hr

Contract Must-Have Skills * COBOL * IMS DB * DB2 * JCL * CICS * Mainframe Development * Mainframe Batch Processing * SQL (DB2) * Data Analysis / Data Analytics * Production Support * Debugging ...

We are hiring Mainframe Developer $66.50 for a Contract position in Torrance, CA CALL US NOW for immediate consideration! Click Apply on Web or Apply Now to view our recruiter s contact info and ...

Mainframe Developer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$54 - $69.50/hr

Mainframe Developer (W2 Only) Experience: 10+ Years Employment Type ... W2 Only Duration: Long-Term Contract Required Skills: * 10+ years of Mainframe development ...

New

This is a Contract position, and the client is looking for someone to start immediately. Duration ... The Mainframe Developer must have 2-10+ years of experience. Top Skills: - COBOL, CICS - AWS ...

This is a Contract position, and the client is looking for someone to start immediately. Duration ... The Mainframe Developer must have 2-10+ years of experience. Top Skills: - COBOL, CICS - AWS ...

Mainframe Developer

Trenton, NJ · On-site

$49.25 - $63.25/hr

MAINFRAME DEVELOPER CONTRACT DURATION: UP TO 3 MONTHS CONTRACT WITH POSSIBLE EXTENSION LOCATION: TRENTON, NJ 08625 (2 DAYS IN OFFICE REQUIRED) CONTRACTOR WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANALYSIS, DESIGN ...

Mainframe Developer

Wilmington, DE · On-site

$47.50 - $61.25/hr

Contract Responsibilities: Primary Skill: VSAM, COBOL, DevOps * Design, code, test, and maintain mainframe applications using COBOL, JCL, DB2, IMS DB or DC, CICS, VSAM, and IBM MQ. * Develop and ...

$47.50 - $61.25/hr

Mainframe Developer with IMS Background Location: Wilmington, DE Duration: Contract 100% Onsite (5 days in a Week) Mandatory Skill Set: COBOL, IMS, DB2,JCL,VSAM, CICS * 8 to 12 Yrs of experience in ...

Mainframe Developer

$50.25 - $64.50/hr

Contract /Requirement: * 5+ years of application programming and analysis experience * Strong experience with COBOL, JCL, DB2, and IMS DB/DC * Experience with mainframe application development and ...

Mainframe Developer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$54 - $69.50/hr

Mainframe Developer - COBOL, CICS, DB2 - Pittsburgh, or NYC - Onsite 4 days/week - 1 YEAR CONTRACT Please do not apply if not local to NYC or Pittsburgh, PA NO C2C - Must be able to work in the US ...

New

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Mainframe Programmer Contract information

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How much do mainframe programmer contract jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe programmer contract 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 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.

More about Mainframe Programmer Contract jobs
What cities are hiring for Mainframe Programmer Contract jobs? Cities with the most Mainframe Programmer Contract job openings:
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What job categories do people searching Mainframe Programmer Contract jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Mainframe Programmer Contract jobs are:
Infographic showing various Mainframe Programmer Contract job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,558 per year, or $54.1 per hour.

Senior IMS Mainframe Systems Programmer

Wabash Solutions Inc

Jacksonville, FL • On-site

$51 - $64.75/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Location: Remote (100%)
Job Type: Contract 
Experience Level: Senior (12+ years)
 

Job Summary

We are hiring a Lead IMS Mainframe Systems Programmer with deep experience in IMS V15.5 or later, SMP/E installations, and z/OS system environments. The ideal candidate will be responsible for configuring, maintaining, and optimizing IMS database systems while serving as the primary technical contact for enterprise clients.


Responsibilities
  • Perform installation, configuration, and maintenance of IMS database systems.

  • Execute SMP/E and non-SMP/E installations for IBM and ISV software.

  • Lead IMS upgrades to version 15.5 or higher.

  • Manage IMS Database Objects, PSB, ACB, and SYSGEN processes.

  • Support related systems: z/OS, CICS, Storage, Disaster Recovery.

  • Utilize monitoring and management tools: CA Database Tools, IBM Database Tools, Sysview, Omegamon, Mainview.

  • Serve as lead technical resource during client transitions and system migrations.

  • Collaborate with system programming and operations teams to implement best practices.


Requirements
  • 12+ years of experience as an IMS Mainframe Systems Programmer.

  • Expertise in IMS Database Administration and Configuration.

  • Experience with IMS V15.5 or later upgrades and SMP/E processes.

  • Strong knowledge of PSBGEN, SYSGEN, and subsystem configuration.

  • Familiarity with z/OS, CICS, Storage, and Disaster Recovery concepts.

  • Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.


Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with Mainview, Omegamon, or other performance monitoring tools.

  • Proven ability to lead projects and mentor junior staff.


Benefits
  • Competitive compensation and long-term contract potential.

  • Work with a highly skilled team of mainframe professionals.

  • Opportunity to lead modernization and optimization projects across enterprise environments.


Search Optimization Tags:
IMS Systems Programmer, z/OS Mainframe Engineer, IMS Database Administrator, Mainframe Systems Specialist, SMP/E Installation, IBM Mainframe, IMS V15.5, Omegamon, Mainview