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Mainframe Programmer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Broadcom

Senior Mainframe Software Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$143K - $189K/yr

Job Summary : Broadcom's Mainframe Software Division is seeking a talented and motivated Senior Mainframe Software Engineer to join their team. The role involves designing, developing, and ...

New

Broadcom

Senior Mainframe Software Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site +1

$143K - $230K/yr

Broadcom's Mainframe Software Division is looking for a talented and motivated Software Engineer with a passion for building high-quality applications using agile practices to join our team. We are ...

Deloitte

Mainframe Techno/Functional Manager

Fresno, CA · Hybrid

$48.75 - $62.50/hr

Engineering as a Service provides complete design, implementation, and technology operations ... As an experienced Mainframe Techno/Functional Manager ,you will have the ability to share new ideas ...

Deloitte

Mainframe Techno/Functional Manager

Costa Mesa, CA · Hybrid

$52.50 - $67.50/hr

Engineering as a Service provides complete design, implementation, and technology operations ... As an experienced Mainframe Techno/Functional Manager ,you will have the ability to share new ideas ...

Deloitte

Mainframe Techno/Functional Manager

San Francisco, CA · Hybrid

$57.75 - $74.25/hr

Engineering as a Service provides complete design, implementation, and technology operations ... As an experienced Mainframe Techno/Functional Manager ,you will have the ability to share new ideas ...

Deloitte

Mainframe Techno/Functional Manager

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

$52.75 - $68/hr

Engineering as a Service provides complete design, implementation, and technology operations ... As an experienced Mainframe Techno/Functional Manager ,you will have the ability to share new ideas ...

Valueprosite

mainframe with java

Carlsbad, CA

$50.75 - $65.25/hr

Mainframe with java with 10+ YOE We are looking for experienced Software Engineers to participate in an Agile development environment producing functional software solutions for delivery to our ...

Akraya Inc.

BIDW SAS Developer

Oakland, CA

... , Creative and Marketing talent. Akraya has extensive experience supporting Fortune 500 and hot ... This is a mainframe-centric position and really needs someone familiar with mainframe SAS. Having ...

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Mainframe Programmer information

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$53

$65

How much do mainframe programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe programmer in California is $53.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46.49 and $62.40 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
Infographic showing various Mainframe Programmer job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 7% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,084 per year, or $53.4 per hour.
Mainframe Systems Analyst

Mainframe Systems Analyst

Avani Technology Solutions, Inc.

Newport Beach, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Position : Mainframe Systems Analyst
Location : Newport Beach, CA
Duration : 9 Months
Candidates must be local to California. Must be able to do F2F.
Top Three Skills:
  • 7+ years of experience gathering business requirements, analyzing and evaluating business needs, and working with the business
  • Experience running queries in database and adhoc reports
  • Experience working with the financial services industry (preferably with mainframe)

Job Description:
The Sr. Systems Analyst will be a key participant on the mainframe annuities team responsible for business analysis and providing support to the technical development staff, our customers, and management in support of the administration systems. (primarily Mainframe applications). In this role, the SA meets with business stakeholders across functional departments to understand and identify needs, capture, analyze and document requirements.
* Gathers business requirements, and analyzes and evaluates business needs, requirements, data, processes, and systems for complex technology projects.
* Recommends project scope, facilitates and participates in application design sessions, and proposes and develops system solutions.
* Prepares time estimates for completing projects, and assists in overall project scope definition, management and project tracking.
* Writes detailed functional and technical specifications, and prepares other systems and functional documentation such as flow charts, use cases, and test scripts.
* Represents Technology in business meetings, facilitates the development process, and tracks project status.
* Assists with unit testing prior to turn over to Model Office/Quality Assurance department.
* Coordinates and participates in the Quality Assurance/testing process. Works with Quality Assurance analysts and programmers to analyze data and coordinate problem resolution.
* Coordinates, communicates and verifies implementation delivery.
* Troubleshoots production problems. Provides consultative support to business units, acts as liaison between business areas and Technology, keeps all parties informed of status, and coordinates problem resolution.
* Guides, advises and/or trains less experienced staff.
Factors for Success:
* Bachelor's degree (BA or BS) in an analytical field, computer science, or equivalent experience.
* 7+ years of business administration and/or systems analysis experience in a Financial Services application development environment (Annuity and/or Life Insurance preferred).
* Strong analytical and problem solving skills.
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills; the ability to express complex technical concepts in business terms.
* Solid teamwork and interpersonal skills.
* Strong project management skills, PMP certification preferred
* Understanding of structured development methodologies a plus.
* Knowledge of related Mainframe DXC contract administration systems preferred (Vantage, wmA, DSS)
* Knowledge of the Annuities and/or Mutual Funds lines of business preferred
* Experience with Agile software development (SCRUM Master certification is a plus)

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