1

Mainframe Programmer Jobs in Hawaii (NOW HIRING)

... engineering in a leadership role. Strong background in quantitative methods, normally acquired ... Extensive working knowledge of personal computers and/or mainframe systems and related software ...

Materials Analyst - Oahu

Honolulu, HI · On-site

$26.25 - $32.25/hr

Acts as liaison with Engineering, Accounting, and Operating Departments pertaining to materials ... Working knowledge of personal computers and/or mainframe systems and related software applications ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Mainframe Programmer information

See Hawaii salary details

$40

$56

$69

How much do mainframe programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe programmer in Hawaii is $56.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48.94 and $65.67 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 Documentation may be sparse or outdated, requiring strong problem-solving and analytical skills to decipher business logic.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.

What are popular job titles related to Mainframe Programmer jobs in Hawaii? For Mainframe Programmer jobs in Hawaii, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Mainframe Programmer jobs in Hawaii look for? The top searched job categories for Mainframe Programmer jobs in Hawaii are:
Infographic showing various Mainframe Programmer job openings in Hawaii as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 10% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 83% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,943 per year, or $56.2 per hour.

Sr Research & Data Analyst - Oahu

hawaiianel

Honolulu, HI

$85K - $107K/yr

Other

Posted 14 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Conducts data collection, cleansing, and preparation to provide statistical analysis for ongoing and new research projects, including customer satisfaction and transaction reports.

  • Leads, advises, and trains other analysts in the design, development, and implementation of studies, data collection, analyses, and presentation of research results.

  • Designs and executes research to assess effectiveness of Public Safety Power Shutoff communications and engagement programs and serves as backup for disseminating messages to customers.


Job description

We recognize our competitive advantage -- our people. We believe in our people, who share our vision of meeting the needs of our employees, customers, and communities and who carry out the continued success of the company.

Our employees are committed to the company's foundational values: integrity, excellence, teamwork, environmental stewardship, and community commitment. In turn, we invest in our employees, providing opportunities for challenge and advancement and offering a competitive compensation package.

Posting End Date: This position will remain open until filled. Early applications are highly encouraged. 

BRIEF POSTING DESCRIPTION:

The P QO DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS Department of the P DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS Division at Hawaiian Electric Company has 1 Management vacancy available. (Role: Professional)

JOB FUNCTION:

Coordinates and implements customer research for residential and commercial customer satisfaction, time-of-use, and other research and data needs, as well as conducts evaluation, forecasting, market research, and other research related efforts.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Conducts data collection, cleansing and preparation as needed to provide statistical analysis for ongoing and new research projects which include but are not limited to quarterly Customer Satisfaction reports for both residential and commercial customers and customer transaction reports. Manages the online research panel and conducts monthly surveys to gain insights and better understand customers' needs. Takes a lead role,  advises and trains other analysts in the design, development, and implementation of studies, data collection, analyses, and related efforts in areas including market research, customer research, demand response, electrification of transportation, time-of-use, and other program-specific evaluation, financial analysis, forecasting, economic analysis, advertising and promotions, program development, advertising and promotion effectiveness, and related areas. Develops, advises and trains other analysts in standards of presentation quality, graphics and written reports of results and analyses. Presents results of analyses to peers and senior leadership as needed. Leads efforts to maintain and analyze consistency and reasonableness of data and apply technical concepts and methodologies, synthesize/integrate important information from a variety of sources and large volumes of data.
  • Coordinates and assists with execution of focus groups by customer segments, based on need or regulatory requirement, in collaboration with external market research vendors. Seeks and understands the use of emerging digital tools, including AI, by other utilities for collection, measurement and insight into customer demographics, preferences and attitudes. Develops new research tools and tactics, with emphasis on efficiency and efficacy, to address evolving business needs and regulatory directives.
  • Leads design and execution of research to determine effectiveness of Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) communications and engagement programs and to assess customer needs through surveys, focus groups and other tactics. Serves as back up for PSPS program to disseminate voice, email and text messages to customers as needed, which may require knowledge of basic HTML and ability to easily pick up new technology tools to support the Company's strategic goals.
  • Responds to information requests (IRs) and related regulatory requirements and directives as assigned, including gathering data and information needed to fulfill responses to inquiries from regulators, elected officials and other parties. Demonstrates tact, courtesy and discretion in handling sensitive issues. 
  • Participates in Company emergency response activities as assigned, including roles within Incident Management Team structure, and activities required to prepare for such emergency response. Completes safety and emergency training as assigned. Performs other duties as assigned.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge Requirements

  • Extensive working knowledge of applied statistics, economics, marketing, finance, accounting, or engineering in a leadership role.  Strong background in quantitative methods, normally acquired through graduate level courses and hands on experience leading analytic efforts.
  • Advanced degree in one of the above fields preferred.  Proficiency in technical and non-technical writing and presentation preparation required. Thorough understanding of quantitative and marketing principles desired, with a preference for hands-on experience in a marketing leadership position directing the use of econometric, financial, and statistical analytic methods.
  • Considerable experience in developing, creating, manipulating, and analyzing large databases and data sets.
  • Extensive working knowledge of personal computers and/or mainframe systems and related software applications such as spreadsheets, presentation and graphics software, word processing, statistical packages, and database managers.
  • Knowledge of energy technologies, equipment, and economics.
  • Understanding of the unique regulatory and political environment in which the Company operates, plus an understanding of the changing dynamics in the industry, including business models and public policy.

Skills Requirements

  • Ability to navigate high level issues and assignments, including leadership and corporate skills necessary to act as Director in the Director's absence or at his or her direction.
  • Leadership and interpersonal skills necessary to collaborate effectively within the process area and across the Company, with special emphasis on understanding the specific needs, objectives and challenges within Customer Service.
  • Presentation skills suitable to all audience levels and the ability to make complex issues understandable at all levels of the organization.
  • Ability to understand, discuss, and present complex issues and offer solutions. Excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to lead and coordinate others in developing written and oral presentations.
  • Ability to lead efforts to coordinate analytical and computer skills, organizational, time management, and planning efforts while managing multiple projects and programs.
  • Effective interpersonal skills and the ability to lead and work with a variety of individuals, including executive-level management and with different areas within the Company, and the ability to remain flexible in a demanding work environment and adapt to rapidly changing priorities.
  • Ability to independently identify and effectively follow up to meet project goals, maintain good documentation of studies and projects, complete tasks in a timely, efficient, and accurate fashion.
  • Ability to use and teach SAS and/or SPSS.

Experience Requirements

  • Extensive (7 or more years) experience with direct responsibility for leading project design and management in program development/implementation/evaluation, research, analysis, marketing, or related fields.

Role: Professional 

Number of Vacancies:

Location: Honolulu - Oahu 

Hiring Range: The hiring range for the Sr Research & Data Analyst [Req ID 10383] position is $109,900.00 to $142,600.00. The person selected will be placed according to his/her skills and qualifications. 

About Hawaiian Electric Companies
Hawaiian Electric Companies provide electricity and services to 95 percent of the state's 1.4 million residents. The company is also one of the state's leading employers and a major contributor and supporter of community and educational programs.

The demand for power that has fueled the growth of the Hawaiian Islands has been met by Hawaiian Electric Companies for well over a century. And as the next millennium unfolds, the company is committed to providing quality service and seeking clean local energy sources to power generations of Hawaii families and businesses to come. Visit us at http://hawaiianelectric.com.

Interested individuals should apply online. The application must clearly indicate the demonstrated experience/knowledge/skills/abilities the candidate possesses which specifically qualifies him/her for the position.

Applicant Certification
By submitting an application for the position, candidates:
1. Authorize the Hawaiian Electric Companies to confirm all statements contained in the application and/or any materials submitted and made a part of the application as they relate to the position and to the extent permitted by law;
2. Authorize and consent to, without reservation, the Hawaiian Electric Companies sharing any and all information regarding previous or present employment, educational training or personal information from their records and from any other source with the hiring department or subsidiary company;
3. Release, discharge, and hold harmless, Hawaiian Electric Companies, from any and all liability for any damage which may be claimed as a result of furnishing such information to the hiring department or subsidiary company;
4. Authorizes release and transfer of all personnel records to be maintained by the hiring company in the event of an inter-company transfer; and
5. Authorize, direct, and consent to Hawaiian Electric Companies and/or its authorized agents to conduct investigations into candidates' background. These investigations may include, but are not limited to searches for information about applicants; record of criminal convictions to the extent permitted by law, education records, professional certifications, personal character references, and employment history.

EEO Statement
Hawaiian Electric Companies is an equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veteran status. 

Hawaiian Electric Companies complies with all applicable laws, including Title I of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Any request for reasonable accommodation needed during the application process should be communicated by the candidate to the HR Service Center at (808) 543-4848.
 

Affiliate Disclaimer

The relationship between Hawaiian Electric and unregulated, energy-related affiliate companies is governed by the Affiliate Transaction Requirements (ATRs) established by the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission (PUC). The ATRs were established with the PUC's Decision and Order No. 35962 issued on December 19, 2018, and subsequently modified by Order No. 36112, issued on January 24, 2019, in Docket No. 2018-0065. With Decision and Order No. 42409, issued on March 23, 2026, in Docket No. 2025-0391, the PUC indefinitely suspended certain sections of the ATRs.

The ATRs address many issues related to Hawaiian Electric's interactions and transactions with Affiliates and Affiliate-Related Entities. If you'd like more information about these rules/regulations, you can email ATR@hawaiianelectric.com.