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Mainframe Programmer Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

My3Tech Inc

Mainframe Programmer

Birmingham, AL · On-site

Mainframe App Programmer Location: Hybrid in one of these locations -Charlotte, Birmingham, Atlanta or Nashville Duration: 6-12 month contract Qualifications • Experience with mainframe ...

My3Tech Inc

Mainframe Trans24 Developer

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$46 - $59/hr

Mainframe Developer Location: Hybrid in one of these locations -Charlotte, Birmingham, Atlanta or Nashville Duration: 6-12 month contract We are seeking an experienced Mainframe Developer with a ...

Regions Bank

Mainframe Systems Engineer

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$51.50 - $65.50/hr

At Regions, the Mainframe Systems Engineer installs and maintains mainframe operating systems ensuring the stability, performance and security of our mainframe environment while driving innovation ...

Precision Resources

Mainframe Systems Programmer

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$51.50 - $65.50/hr

Precision Resources, a division of the Trimarc Group Inc., is currently seeking a Mainframe Systems Programmer for a REMOTE position for one of our Alabama clients. This qualified individual will be ...

United IT

MAINFRAME DEVELOPER with networking

Birmingham, AL · On-site

$46 - $59/hr

Experience with both mainframe and distributed systems * Cloud or SRE or DevSecOps experience This position is exempt from timekeeping requirements under the Fair Labor Standards Act and is not ...

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 ...

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Mainframe Programmer information

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$35

$49

$60

How much do mainframe programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 29, 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 does a mainframe programmer do?

A mainframe programmer writes, tests, and maintains software for large-scale mainframe computers, often using languages like COBOL, PL/I, or Assembler. They work on critical business applications, ensure system stability, and may troubleshoot hardware or software issues in a mainframe environment.

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 are Mainframe Programmers?

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.

Can mainframe be replaced by AI?

Mainframe programmers work with large-scale, legacy systems that often require specialized knowledge of mainframe environments, programming languages, and tools like COBOL and JCL. While AI can assist with automation and code analysis, it is unlikely to fully replace mainframe programmers in managing, maintaining, and developing critical enterprise systems in the near term.

How much do mainframe programmers make?

Mainframe programmers typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in COBOL, JCL, or mainframe security can command higher salaries. Compensation may also include benefits such as bonuses and retirement plans.

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.

What is the salary of a mainframe developer?

The salary of a mainframe developer typically ranges from $70,000 to $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in COBOL, JCL, or mainframe security may earn higher salaries. Compensation often includes benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.

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.

More about Mainframe Programmer jobs
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Mainframe Programmer jobs near you
Mainframe Programmer

Mainframe Programmer

My3Tech Inc

Birmingham, AL • On-site

Other

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Role / Title: Mainframe App Programmer
Location: Hybrid in one of these locations -Charlotte, Birmingham, Atlanta or Nashville
Duration: 6-12 month contract
Job Description:
Qualifications
• Experience with mainframe communication systems, components, and toolsets.
• Strong understanding of ISO 8583, and ISO20022 (a plus) messaging methodologies
• Strong understanding of ISPW (Code Pipeline), code promotion, code check in, peer reviews, and testing and development best practices.
• Vendor exposure and relationships preferred with vendors such as FIS, Fiserv, ACI, First Data, and other payment related systems.
• Understand waterfall and/or Agile processes and understanding of high-availability concepts.
• Understanding of high-availability concepts.
• Exposure to CICD concepts, branching/merging methodologies for code development and mgmt.
Soft Skills
• Strong understanding of test-driven development, and unit, integration, and regression testing methodologies.
• Strong understanding of software development lifecycle (SDLC) and (ALM) methodologies
• Excellent problem-solving skills, troubleshooting complex systems, and attention to detail
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively within a team environment
• Good communication skills and the ability to interact with stakeholders at all levels
Responsibilities
• As a Mainframe Developer, you will play a crucial role in the design, development, and maintenance of software solutions for CICS based products leveraging COBOL language on the IBM Mainframe (z Series) based platforms
• Leveraging your expertise in Cobol, you will contribute to the enhancement of our flagship products and collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure the delivery of high-quality solutions to our clients
• Design, develop, and maintain software applications for IBM z/OS and CICS environment.
• Write efficient, maintainable, and scalable code in Cobol, and ability to debug.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to understand project requirements and translate them into technical specifications
• Perform unit testing and debugging to ensure the functionality and performance of developed solutions
• Participate in code reviews and provide constructive feedback to team members
• Stay updated on industry trends and emerging technologies to drive continuous improvement in development practices
• Create technical documents; Review, edit and offer suggestions to others with appropriate oral and written communications. Concise and diplomatic
Must have (Requirements)
• (6-8 years Preferred) Strong domain/industry experience in EFT, Payments, Core Banking technologies.
• (8+ years Required) Strong Product Development and Highly Proficiency in Cobol programming languages.
• (6+ years Required) Proven experience in Mainframe development, with expertise in IBM z/OS 2.6 and 3.1, DB2, MQ, and CICS (5.6, and 6.1 preferred).
• (8+ years preferred) Experience with CICS Command-level application programming.
• Working knowledge and understanding of VSAM, JCL, DFSORT, IBM Utilities, SNA, TCP/IP, and TSO/ISPF
Required Skills : (6-8 years Preferred) Strong domain/industry experience in EFT, Payments, Core Banking technologies. • (8+ years Required) Strong Product Development and Highly Proficiency in Cobol programming languages. • (6+ years Required) Proven experience in Mainframe development, with expertise in IBM z/OS 2.6 and 3.1, DB2, MQ, and CICS (5.6, and 6.1 preferred). • (8+ years preferred) Experience with CICS Command-level application programming. • Working knowledge and understanding of VSAM, JCL, DFSORT, IBM Utilities, SNA, TCP/IP, and TSO/ISPF
Basic Qualification :
Additional Skills :
Background Check : Yes
Drug Screen : Yes
Notes :
Selling points for candidate :
Project Verification Info :The information provided below is for Apex Systems AV use only and is not to be distributed publicly, or to any third party. Any distribution of the below information will result in corrective action from Apex Systems Vendor Management. MSA: Restricted Client Letter: Will Not Provide
Candidate must be your W2 Employee :Yes
Exclusive to Apex :No
Face to face interview required :No
Candidate must be local :Yes
Candidate must be authorized to work without sponsorship :Yes
Interview times set : :No
Type of project :
Master Job Title :
Branch Code :

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