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Mainframe Programmer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Mainframe Developer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90K - $96K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Experience with Mainframe technologies (Mainly PL/1, IMSDB, DB2, JCL) etc. * Very good ... engineering, all fueled by its market leading capabilities in AI, generative AI, cloud and data ...

Mainframe Support Engineer

Brooklyn, IL · On-site

$47.75 - $61.50/hr

We are seeking a Mainframe Support Engineer to provide L2/L3 production support for enterprise mainframe applications. The ideal candidate will have strong experience with COBOL, DB2, VSAM, Batch ...

RACF Mainframe Security Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$70K - $140K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The RACF Mainframe Security Engineer is accountable for delivery and implementation of IAM technologies across the bank. Duties & Responsibilities: * Deliver business value by delivering and ...

New

Mainframe/Cobol developer

Bloomington, IL · On-site

$47 - $60.50/hr

Mainframe/Cobol developer * Resource needed with industry knowledge/experience of IBM's Rational Asset Analyzer (RAA) tool. * Preferable, but not mandatory is additional knowledge/experience of ...

Mainframe Support Engineer

Lovejoy, IL · On-site

$48.25 - $62.25/hr

We are seeking a Mainframe Support Engineer to provide L2/L3 production support for enterprise mainframe applications. The ideal candidate will have strong experience with COBOL, DB2, VSAM, Batch ...

Mainframe Support Engineer

Venice, IL · On-site

$46.75 - $60.25/hr

We are seeking a Mainframe Support Engineer to provide L2/L3 production support for enterprise mainframe applications. The ideal candidate will have strong experience with COBOL, DB2, VSAM, Batch ...

RACF Mainframe Security Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$70K - $140K/yr

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The RACF Mainframe Security Engineer is accountable for delivery and implementation of IAM technologies across the bank. Duties & Responsibilities: * Deliver business value by delivering and ...

New

CICS/MQ Systems Programmer

Chicago, IL · Remote

$56.75 - $72/hr

CICS /MQ MAINFRAME SYSTEMS PROGRAMMER CICS ~~ MQ ~~ Z/OS MAINFRAME SYSTEMS ~~ SMP/E ~~ JES 2 ~~ CICSPLEX ~~ INFRASTRUCTURE REMOTE !!~~ REMOTE!! ~~~~FULL TIME WITH BENEFITS/ANNUAL BONUS OPPORTUNITY~

Mainframe Specialist

Chicago, IL · On-site

$70K - $196K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

About the Role Are you a seasoned Mainframe Specialist with deep, hands-on command of COBOL, JCL ... Partner with cross-functional teams-architects, developers, QA, and business analysts-to gather ...

Showing results 21-40

Mainframe Programmer information

See Illinois salary details

$37

$52

$64

How much do mainframe programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe programmer in Illinois is $52.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45.67 and $61.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

Is a mainframe programmer in demand?

Mainframe programmers are still in demand in industries such as finance, insurance, and government that rely on legacy systems. They typically need skills in COBOL, JCL, and mainframe environments, and demand remains steady due to the ongoing need to maintain and update existing mainframe 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.

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 is a mainframe programmer's salary?

A mainframe programmer's salary 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 environments may earn higher compensation.

What are the most commonly searched types of Mainframe Programmer jobs in Illinois?

The most popular types of Mainframe Programmer jobs in Illinois are:

What job categories do people searching Mainframe Programmer jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Mainframe Programmer jobs in Illinois are:

What cities in Illinois are hiring for Mainframe Programmer jobs?

Cities in Illinois with the most Mainframe Programmer job openings:

Infographic showing various Mainframe Programmer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 7% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,071 per year, or $52.4 per hour.

Mainframe Developer

United Airlines

Chicago, IL • On-site

$90K - $96K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 17 days ago


United Airlines rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 342 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

7th of 26 rated airlines


Job description

Choosing Capgemini means choosing a company where you will be empowered to shape your career in the way you'd like, where you'll be supported and inspired bya collaborative community of colleagues around the world, and where you'll be able to reimagine what's possible. Join us and help the world's leading organizationsunlock the value of technology and build a more sustainable, more inclusive world.

Location: Bloomington, IL
Job Description
Job Description
  • Experience with Mainframe technologies (Mainly PL/1, IMSDB, DB2, JCL) etc.
  • Very good understanding of Health Insurance (Not Group Health Insurance)
  • Design/Develop/Support Health Applications using Mainframe technologies
  • Should have experience of both development and production support
  • Hands on SAS, REXX, JCL, Sort
  • Debug using IDB IDZ
  • Able to push/deploy code using GIT
  • Experience on Agile
  • Coordinate activity between Product Owners/Business Units to drive open action items to closure

Skills
  • Very strong in PL/I, IMSDB, DB2, JCL, SORT (Exp 10+)
  • Well experienced in Health Insurance Applications development & support
  • Experience in working with COBOL, SAS, REXX, VSAM, other Mainframe technologies
  • Knowledge of Webservices, REST API, JSON, Message Queues (MQ)
  • Experience in scheduling tools like Control-M
  • Experience on Git, CI/CD, Pipeline etc.
  • AWS cloud awareness & AI capabilities is a plus

The base compensation range for this role in the posted location is: $90000 to $96665

Capgemini provides compensation range information in accordance with applicable national, state, provincial, and local pay transparency laws. The base compensation range listed for this position reflects the minimum and maximum target compensation Capgemini, in good faith, believes it may pay for the role at the time of this posting. This range may be subject to change as permitted by law.

The actual compensation offered to any candidate may fall outside of the posted range and will be determined based on multiple factors legally permitted in the applicable jurisdiction.

These may include, but are not limited to: Geographic location, Education and qualifications, Certifications and licenses, Relevant experience and skills, Seniority and performance, Market and business consideration, Internal pay equity.

It is not typical for candidates to be hired at or near the top of the posted compensation range.

In addition to base salary, this role may be eligible for additional compensation such as variable incentives, bonuses, or commissions, depending on the position and applicable laws.

Capgemini offers a comprehensive, non-negotiable benefits package to all regular, full-time employees. In the U.S. and Canada, available benefits are determined by local policy and eligibility and may include: 

  • Paid time off based on employee grade (A-F), defined by policy: Vacation: 12-25 days, depending on grade, Company paid holidays, Personal Days, Sick Leave
  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage (or provincial healthcare coordination in Canada)
  • Retirement savings plans (e.g., 401(k) in the U.S., RRSP in Canada)
  • Life and disability insurance
  • Employee assistance programs
  • Other benefits as provided by local policy and eligibility

Important Notice: Compensation (including bonuses, commissions, or other forms of incentive pay) is not considered earned, vested, or payable until it becomes due under the terms of applicable plans or agreements and is subject to Capgemini's discretion, consistent with applicable laws. The Company reserves the right to amend or withdraw compensation programs at any time, within the limits of applicable legislation.

Disclaimers

Capgemini is an Equal Opportunity Employer encouraging inclusion in the workplace. Capgemini also participates in the Partnership Accreditation in Indigenous Relations (PAIR) program which supports meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities across Canada by promoting fairness, accessibility, inclusion and respect.  We value the rich cultural heritage and contributions of Indigenous Peoples and actively work to create a welcoming and respectful environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, gender identity/expression, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetics, veteran status, marital status or any other characteristic protected by law.

This is a general description of the Duties, Responsibilities and Qualifications required for this position. Physical, mental, sensory or environmental demands may be referenced in an attempt to communicate the manner in which this position traditionally is performed. Whenever necessary to provide individuals with disabilities an equal employment opportunity, Capgemini will consider reasonable accommodations that might involve varying job requirements and/or changing the way this job is performed, provided that such accommodation does not pose an undue hardship. Capgemini is committed to providing reasonable accommodation during our recruitment process. If you need assistance or accommodation, please reach out to your recruiting contact.

Please be aware that Capgemini may capture your image (video or screenshot) during the interview process and that image may be used for verification, including during the hiring and onboarding process.

Click the following link for more information on your rights as an Applicant in the United States.  http://www.capgemini.com/resources/equal-employment-opportunity-is-the-law

Capgemini is a global business and technology transformation partner, helping organizations to accelerate their dual transition to a digital and sustainable world, while creating tangible impact for enterprises and society. It is a responsible and diverse group of 340,000 team members in more than 50 countries. With its strong over 55-year heritage, Capgemini is trusted by its clients to unlock the value of technology to address the entire breadth of their business needs. It delivers end-to-end services and solutions leveraging strengths from strategy and design to engineering, all fueled by its market leading capabilities in AI, generative AI, cloud and data, combined with its deep industry expertise and partner ecosystem.


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About United Airlines

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

United Airlines is embarking on an exciting journey to become the best airline in aviation history. Our purpose, "Connecting People, Uniting the World," extends beyond transportation, emphasizing our commitment to uplift and create opportunities in the places we serve. With a global presence and diverse workforce, we value inclusivity and are dedicated to hiring tens of thousands of individuals across various roles. Our comprehensive benefits package, including perks like space available travel, parental leave, and 401k, aims to support your well-being and growth.

Industry

Aviation

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1926

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