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Mainframe Programmer Contract Jobs (NOW HIRING)

JS Consulting

Sr. Mainframe Developer

Woodlawn, MD · On-site

$51 - $65.50/hr

Job Title- Sr. Mainframe Developer Project Location - Woodlawn, MD (5 days per week onsite) Duration- 6+ months contract Skills: Strong experience with IBM z/OS (OS/390/MVS) environment developing ...

Infojini Inc

Mainframe Developer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$47.75 - $61.25/hr

We offer an excellent compensation package We are looking for Mainframe Developer in Raleigh, NC for 12+ months contract position. Please refer someone else if you are not available at this time or ...

Kanak Elite Services Inc

Mainframe IMS and CICS

Wilmington, DE · On-site

$47.50 - $61.25/hr

Mainframe Developer - IMS and CICS Location : Wilmington, DE Onsite - Relocation from nearby states only Duration : Long term contract Required Skills: * Programming Languages: Strong proficiency in ...

Hirekeyz Inc

Mainframe Developer

Wilmington, DE · On-site

$47.50 - $61.25/hr

Mainframe Developer Location : Wilmington DE Job Type: Contract/W2 Experience: 8+ Years Mandatory Skills- COBOL, MQ, JCL, DB2, CICS, VSAM Working on enterprise-wide applications, Agile methodologies ...

MM International

MQ Mainframe Engineer

Alpharetta, GA · On-site

$47.75 - $61.50/hr

MQ Mainframe Engineer Alpharetta, GA - 3 days/week onsite 12+ month contract position Description: * Hybrid Role * Interview Process: Likely 2 rounds (detailed and technical) * As a global financial ...

Amtex Enterprises Inc

Mainframe Developer

Trenton, NJ · On-site

$49.25 - $63.25/hr

Mainframe Developer Location: Trenton, NJ 08608- Hybrid Role (2 days Onsite, 3 days Remote ... This position will be a contract and hybrid, requiring candidates to work onsite two days per week.

Dexian

Mainframe Developer

Westlake, TX · On-site

$47 - $60.50/hr

Mainframe Developer Locations ... Westlake, TX! (Hybrid) Duration: Long-term Contract (Extensions possible) Skills and Knowledge:

New

Dexian DISYS

Mainframe Developer

Westlake, TX · On-site

$47 - $60.50/hr

Mainframe Developer Locations ... Westlake, TX! (Hybrid) Duration: Long-term Contract (Extensions possible) Skills and Knowledge:

New

Judge Group, Inc.

Mainframe Developer

Malvern, PA · On-site

$48 - $61.75/hr

Our client is currently seeking a Mainframe Developer 1+ Year Contract Opportunity Malvern, PA (hybrid--onsite Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays) Responsibilities Design, develop, maintain, and ...

USM

JB061936 - Mainframe Developer

$50.25 - $64.50/hr

Remote Duration: 6+ Months Contract Capgemini End client domain: Supply chain client We are seeking a skilled Mainframe professional with strong experience in application analysis, development ...

Saransh Inc

Mainframe Developer

Wilmington, DE · On-site

$47.50 - $61.25/hr

Mainframe Developer Wilmington, DE (Day 1 Onsite) Contract Job Requirements: * Prepares architecture and design documents for complex Banking applications keeping in mind design constraints that ...

Stem Xpert

Mainframe developer

Mclean, VA

$49.50 - $63.75/hr

Mainframe developer Location ... Mclean, VA Duration: contract or full time Skillset : Experience in Mainframe (COBOL/JCL/DB2/IMS ...

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Mainframe Programmer Contract information

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How much do mainframe programmer contract jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 13, 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?

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.

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Mainframe Programmer Contract jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mainframe Programmer Contract job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, and 60% Contract. Highlights an 40% In-person, 20% Hybrid, and 40% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,558 per year, or $54.1 per hour.

Sr. Mainframe Developer

Woodlawn, MD • On-site

JS Consulting
Custom Software Development Services • 1 - 10 employees
Learn more about JS Consultingexternal

$51 - $65.50/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 1 hour ago

Job description

Job Title- Sr. Mainframe Developer

Project Location – Woodlawn, MD (5 days per week onsite)

Duration- 6+ months contract

Skills: Strong experience with IBM z/OS (OS/390/MVS) environment developing and maintaining JCL and COBOL, Dialog Manager, Endevor, z/OS, CLIS, JCL, and DB2 for application software systems.

Position Description:

  • Responsible for conforming to customer standards and requirements and will be involved in creating and maintaining code and database structures such as COBOL, Restructured Extended Executor (REXX), Job Control Language (JCL), CLIST, DB2, as well as numerous mainframe utility tools such as SYNCSORT, File-AID/Related Data XPERT (RDX), etc. Responsible for unit testing and validation against desired outcomes. The resource is expected to function as part of a team, maintain a high level of collaboration with SSA of customers, and must demonstrate excellent communication skills to ensure success.
  • Develop JCL and software code using customer defined standards and software engineering best practices
  • Evaluate impacts of database schema changes on existing software components
  • Investigate and repair application defects related to business logic, middleware, or database (DB2).
  • Design, develop, test, debug, and implement next-generation COBOL programs using software engineering, best practices and latest technologies
  • Create and update JCL for efficient batch processing
  • Evaluate the impact of new operating systems, or versions of COBOL and Endevor on programs.
  • Collaborate with internal teams and external vendors, offering technical advice and influencing key stakeholders to achieve strategic objectives and enhance Leidos business outcomes.
  • Investigate and repair application defects regardless of component: COBOL, business logic, CICS configurations, middleware, or database (PL/SQL and Data Modeling).
  • Brief management, customer, team, or vendors using written or oral skills at appropriate technical level for audience
  • All other duties as assigned or directed.?

Requirements  

  • Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering or a related field.
  • Masters or Doctorate degree may substitute for required experience
  • 10+ years of experience with Mainframe.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a Public Trust. Contract requirement.

FACTORS TO HELP YOU SHINE (Required Skills)

These skills will help you succeed in this position:

  • Experience developing and maintaining COBOL applications including working with structures, copybooks, and CICS maps
  • Experience developing applications for use on IBM z/OS.
  • Experience debugging COBOL Programs, CLIST, PROC, COBOL error tracing, and using Visual Studio COBOL viewer.
  • Basic experience with CICS programs, including how COBOL programs interact with BMS maps that define to user interface.
  • Experience using Endevor with TADZ for reporting and analysis such as browsing, scanning elements, measuring usage statistics.
  • Working knowledge / experience with ISPF, TSO, JES, and Job Control Language (JCL).
  • Experience developing and modifying JCL for job execution and batch operations
  • Hands-on experience with batch and online processing.
  • Excellent communication and written skills
  • Experience with mainframe-based software configuration management systems such as Endevor.
  • Experience with Control-M or other mainframe-based job scheduling tools.
  • Detail oriented and committed to consistently completing repetitive production-like tasks on-time and error-free.
  • Ability to independently research problems and provide solutions.

HOW TO STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD (Desired Skills)

Showcase your knowledge of modern development through the following experience or skills:

  • Working knowledge of SAS and REXX.
  • Experience with Mainframe Assembler development.
  • Certification such as IBM Mainframe Developer Professional, Interskill - Mainframe Application Programmer - COBOL and IBM Enterprise COBOL for z/OS Programming
  • Solid knowledge of relational databases (PostgreSQL, DB2), and SQL
  • Experience with modern development software, tools, and methodologies.
  • Experience working on Agile projects and understanding Agile terminology.
  • Experience with DevOps and toolset (Git/Bitbucket, Docker, Jenkins, SonarQube)?

Education           

  • Bachelor's Degree with 7+ years of experience.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a Public Trust. Contract requirement.

Respectfully,