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Mainframe Programmer Jobs in Connecticut (NOW HIRING)

nLeague

Mainframe Systems Programer

Hartford, CT · On-site

$55.50 - $70.50/hr

Mainframe Mainframe Programmer/ Developer Location: Hybrid- 55 Farmington Avenue Hartford, Connecticut Client: CT DSS Duration: 06+ months * Analyse existing mainframe applications, databases, files ...

Sonsoft Inc

Mainframe Performance Expert

Berlin, CT

$48.50 - $62.50/hr

At least 3 years of experience in Mainframe, RACF & ACF2 Migration Skills * At least 2 years of experience in Development/ Configuration/solutions evaluation/ Validation and deployment * Experience ...

ICONMA

Mainframe IT Project Manager

Hartford, CT · On-site

$99K - $117K/yr

Our Staff Members Our in-house team offers a broad range of Information Technology, Engineering ... Mainframe IT Project Manager Location: Hartford, CT Duration: 6 months with possible contract to ...

Morgan Stanley

Lead Mainframe Storage Engineer

Greenwich, CT · On-site

$110K - $165K/yr

We are searching for a Lead Mainframe Storage Engineer to join the Z Infrastructure team responsible for providing a highly available Z Compute and Storage platform, resilient against infra failures ...

New

RIT Solutions, Inc.

COBOL / Stratus Developer

Windsor, CT · On-site

$50 - $67.75/hr

RIT Solutions, Inc. is seeking a skilled COBOL Developer to design, develop, and maintain applications on mainframe systems. The role involves coding, debugging, testing, and deploying COBOL programs ...

Polar IT Services

ETL Developer

Hartford, CT · On-site +1

$51.50 - $67.25/hr

Job Title: ETL Developer Location: Hartford, CT, hybrid schedule Length: 12 months+ Visa: H4 EAD ... This person must have strong experience and understanding of COBOL and mainframe systems, they will ...

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Mainframe Programmer information

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How much do mainframe programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe programmer in Connecticut is $51.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44.81 and $60.14 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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For Mainframe Programmer jobs in Connecticut, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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Mainframe Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mainframe Programmer job openings in Connecticut as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 9% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $107,075 per year, or $51.5 per hour.

Mainframe Systems Programer

nLeague

Hartford, CT • On-site

$55.50 - $70.50/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Job id: Mainframe

Mainframe Programmer/ Developer

Location: Hybrid- 55 Farmington Avenue   Hartford, Connecticut

Client: CT DSS

Duration: 06+ months

Job Description:

  • Analyse existing mainframe applications, databases, files, and batch processing workflows to support migration activities.
  • Design, develop, and execute data extraction processes from IMS databases and legacy mainframe data sources.
  • Create, modify, and support JCL required for data extracts, file transfers, conversion processing, and migration testing.
  • Perform COBOL program analysis and code modifications to support data extraction, transformation, validation, and reconciliation requirements.
  • Review and update FTP/SFTP processes to support secure transmission of migration files between source and target environments.
  • Utilize IMS utilities and BMC Utilities for IMS to unload, extract, validate, and reconcile database content.
  • Develop and execute data validation and reconciliation procedures to ensure data integrity throughout the migration lifecycle.
  • Support file mapping, field-level transformation logic, and data conversion specifications.
  • Troubleshoot batch failures, abends, data discrepancies, and performance issues related to migration processing.
  • Collaborate with database administrators, architects, business analysts, and project teams to define migration requirements and resolve technical challenges.
  • Create technical documentation, migration runbooks, implementation procedures, and production support documentation.
  • Participate in migration testing, system integration testing, user acceptance testing, and production implementation activities.
  • Provide production support during migration cutover and post-implementation stabilization periods.
  • Identify opportunities for automation using CLIST, REXX, File-AID, and other mainframe utilities.
  • Ensure compliance with enterprise change management, security, and audit requirements.
  • Required Qualifications
  • 10+ years of Mainframe Development experience.
  • Expert-level COBOL programming experience.
  • Strong JCL development and troubleshooting skills.
  • Extensive IMS Database experience.
  • Experience with BMC Utilities for IMS.
  • Experience developing large-scale data extracts and conversion processes.
  • Strong understanding of FTP/SFTP file transfer methodologies.
  • Proven experience supporting enterprise data migration or modernization initiatives.
  • Experience performing data analysis, reconciliation, and validation.
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision in a deadline-driven environment.
  • Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with File-AID.
  • Experience with EZtrieve.
  • Experience with CLIST and REXX automation.
  • Prior experience with legacy modernization or cloud migration projects.
  • Experience supporting financial services, insurance, healthcare, or government mainframe environments.
  • Critical Success Factors
  • Ability to quickly assess complex legacy environments.
  • Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting capabilities.
  • Excellent communication and documentation skills.
  • Ability to meet aggressive deadlines and deliver high-quality migration solutions under tight timelines.