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Mainframe Programmer Jobs in Alberta (NOW HIRING)

NavitasPartners

PL/I Developer - BFSI

Sherwood Park, AB · On-site

$30/hr

Edmonton, Alberta About the Role We are seeking a PL/I Developer to support and enhance legacy financial applications operating in enterprise mainframe environments. IMPORTANT NOTE - BFSI EXPERIENCE ...

NavitasPartners

PL/I Developer - BFSI

Edmonton, AB · On-site

$30/hr

Edmonton, Alberta About the Role We are seeking a PL/I Developer to support and enhance legacy financial applications operating in enterprise mainframe environments. IMPORTANT NOTE - BFSI EXPERIENCE ...

NavitasPartners

PL/I Developer - BFSI

Spruce Grove, AB · On-site

$30/hr

Edmonton, Alberta About the Role We are seeking a PL/I Developer to support and enhance legacy financial applications operating in enterprise mainframe environments. IMPORTANT NOTE - BFSI EXPERIENCE ...

NavitasPartners

PL/I Developer - BFSI

Saint Albert, AB · On-site

$30/hr

Edmonton, Alberta About the Role We are seeking a PL/I Developer to support and enhance legacy financial applications operating in enterprise mainframe environments. IMPORTANT NOTE - BFSI EXPERIENCE ...

United Airlines

Sr. IZWS Scheduler Expert

Calgary, AB · On-site

CA$62K - CA$147K/yr

... engineers, and operations to resolve migration challenge. * Support pre-migration cleanup and best-practice preparation activities for each sysplex Your skills and experience * 5+ years of mainframe ...

All JobsMainframe Programmer JobsMainframe Programmer Jobs in Alberta

Mainframe Programmer information

See Alberta salary details

$29

$53

$79

How much do mainframe programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe programmer in Alberta is $53.42, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40.62 and $54.57 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
What are popular job titles related to Mainframe Programmer jobs in Alberta? For Mainframe Programmer jobs in Alberta, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What cities in Alberta are hiring for Mainframe Programmer jobs? Cities in Alberta with the most Mainframe Programmer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Mainframe Programmer jobs in AB? For Mainframe Programmer jobs in AB, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Mainframe Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mainframe Programmer job openings in Alberta as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 10% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 80% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,116 per year, or $53.4 per hour.

Mainframe Developer (COBOL/CICS/DB2) - Public Sector

NavitasPartners

Airdrie, AB • Remote

$30/hr

Other

Posted 25 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Design, develop, test, and maintain COBOL applications.

  • Support CICS online transaction processing systems.

  • Develop and optimize DB2 database programs.

Job description

Mainframe Developer (COBOL/CICS/DB2) - Public Sector

Location: Calgary, Alberta

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Mainframe Developer to support and enhance mission-critical enterprise applications within a Public Sector environment. The successful candidate will be responsible for designing, developing, testing, maintaining, and supporting applications running on IBM z/OS platforms utilizing COBOL, CICS, DB2, and JCL technologies.

This role offers an opportunity to work on large-scale legacy systems that support essential government services while contributing to modernization and transformation initiatives.

IMPORTANT NOTE - PUBLIC SECTOR EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

Candidates must have recent experience working within Federal Government, Provincial Government, Municipal Government, Crown Corporations, Healthcare, Education, Defense, Public Safety, Utilities, Transportation, or other Public Sector organizations.

Experience supporting highly regulated environments, citizen-facing systems, government applications, and mission-critical enterprise platforms is mandatory.

Candidates without Public Sector experience will not be considered.

Responsibilities
  • Design, develop, test, and maintain COBOL applications.
  • Support CICS online transaction processing systems.
  • Develop and optimize DB2 database programs.
  • Create and maintain JCL jobs and batch processing workflows.
  • Troubleshoot production issues and provide operational support.
  • Participate in application enhancement and modernization projects.
  • Collaborate with business analysts, architects, and infrastructure teams.
  • Prepare technical documentation and support materials.
Required Qualifications
  • 5+ years of Mainframe Development experience.
  • Strong expertise in COBOL, CICS, DB2, and JCL.
  • Experience with IBM z/OS environments.
  • Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills.
  • Experience supporting large enterprise applications.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with application modernization initiatives.
  • Experience working in government or public-sector environments.
  • Government Security Clearance is considered an asset.

For more details reach at resumes@navitassols.com

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