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Mainframe Programmer Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Bristol Bay Native Corporation

Programmer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

Total Solutions, Inc. (TSI) is seeking a skilled Programmer to join our team supporting the U.S ... Demonstrate proficiency or a strong aptitude for learning mainframe interrogation and related ...

Vaco LLC

CICS Systems Programmer

Birmingham, AL · On-site

This role is well suited for someone with strong mainframe, systems programming, troubleshooting, documentation, audit, disaster recovery, and performance management experience. Primary ...

Accelyst, LLC

.NET Developer

Montgomery, AL · On-site

$47.75 - $63/hr

NET Developer with Mainframe experience to support mission-critical enterprise applications in a hybrid legacy and modern technology environment. The role focuses on application development ...

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$35

$49

$60

How much do mainframe programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe programmer in Alabama is $49.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42.69 and $57.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a mainframe programmer?

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.

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.

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 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.

Is a mainframe programmer a good career?

A mainframe programmer is a specialized IT professional who develops and maintains legacy systems using languages like COBOL and tools such as IBM Z. The role offers stable employment opportunities, especially in industries like finance and government, with demand for skills in mainframe environments remaining steady despite the rise of cloud computing. Certifications and experience with mainframe hardware and software can enhance job prospects and salary potential.

Is a mainframe programmer still in demand?

Mainframe programmers are still in demand in industries such as finance, government, and healthcare that rely on legacy systems. They typically need skills in COBOL, JCL, and mainframe environments, and demand remains stable due to the continued use of mainframe technology for critical applications.
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Mainframe Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mainframe Programmer job openings in Alabama as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 10% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $102,021 per year, or $49 per hour.

.Net Developer with Mainframe Experience

SYSTEM SOFT TECHNOLOGIES LLC

Montgomery, AL • On-site

$48.50 - $62.25/hr

Other

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Job NO: 13138

Location: Montgomery AL

Duration: 6-12 Months

Intermediate .Net Developer with Mainframe developer experience

No of positions : 2

Experience Level: Mid-Level (3 7 Years)

Position Summary

We are seeking a Mid-Level Microsoft .Net Developer with Mainframe development experience to support and enhance mission-critical enterprise applications in a complex hybrid environment that includes both legacy mainframe systems and modern Microsoft technologies. This role will be responsible for development, maintenance, modernization, system integrations, reporting solutions, and production support activities.

The ideal candidate will possess strong mainframe and Microsoft .Net development experience, solid database skills, and the ability to bridge legacy systems with modern application architectures. This individual will work closely with business analysts, project managers, database administrators, and cross-functional development teams to deliver scalable, secure, and maintainable solutions.

Essential Responsibilities

Analyze, interpret, and decode legacy Easytrieve enterprise applications running on IBM mainframe platforms.

Analyze business requirements and translate them into technical specifications and application solutions.

Design, develop, test, and deploy application enhancements and defect fixes.

Support batch processing, data transformation, and enterprise integration workflows.

Develop and maintain reports, extracts, and data distribution processes.

Create and support ETL solutions using SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS).

Design, develop, and maintain reporting solutions using SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS).

Develop and maintain applications and supporting utilities using .NET technologies.

Write, optimize, and troubleshoot complex SQL queries, stored procedures, views, and database objects.

Monitor and resolve production support issues while ensuring system stability and data integrity.

Participate in application modernization and legacy migration initiatives.

Collaborate with business users to troubleshoot issues and identify process improvements.

Create and maintain technical documentation, application specifications, and support procedures.

Participate in code reviews and ensure compliance with organizational coding standards.

Support testing efforts including unit, integration, regression, architecture, and user acceptance testing.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Information Systems, or related field, or equivalent work experience.

Significant familiarity with the CMS Advise (835) and CMS 837 Health Care Claim file elements and standards.

3 7 years of professional software development experience.

3+ years of experience in IBM Mainframe development environments.

Experience supporting large-scale enterprise applications.

Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Required Technical Skills

Mainframe Technologies:

JCL

CICS

ROSCOE or TSO

Easytrieve/EasyPlus

Batch Processing

Microsoft Technologies

.NET Framework / .NET Core

C#

Entity Framework Core

Database & Reporting

SQL Server

T-SQL

SSRS (SQL Server Reporting Services)

SSIS (SQL Server Integration Services)

Stored Procedures

Database Performance Tuning

Development Tools

Visual Studio

Git

Azure DevOps Server

SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS)

Markdown File for Documentation

EDI Fabric SDK

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with application modernization and migration of legacy systems.

Experience using off-the-shelf technologies to manipulate data and report upon CMS data files (835 & 837)

Experience parsing, generating, and troubleshooting ANSI ASC X12 HIPAA transaction sets, specifically 837 (claims submission) and 835 (Electronic Remittance Advice / ERA)

Experience working with Alabama Medicaid electronic data specifications, companion guides, and proprietary state formats.

Experience integrating mainframe applications with distributed platforms and APIs.

Knowledge of ETL design and data transformation best practices.

Familiarity with REST and SOAP web services.

Experience with secure file transfer processes and data integration workflows.

Experience with enterprise reporting and document generation solutions.

Knowledge of Agile/Scrum methodologies.

Experience with Microsoft Azure cloud services.

Experience in healthcare, financial services, government, insurance, or other highly regulated industries.

Core Competencies

Strong problem-solving and root-cause analysis abilities.

Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Effective collaboration across technical and business teams.

Strong organizational and time management skills.

Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

Commitment to quality, accuracy, and continuous improvement.

Strong customer service mindset and support orientation.

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