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Mainframe Programmer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Huntington

RACF Mainframe Security Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$70K - $140K/yr

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 ...

Huntington

RACF Mainframe Security Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

$70K - $140K/yr

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 ...

Neshent Technologies

Mainframe Support Engineer

Hartford, IL · On-site

$46.25 - $59.50/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 ...

Neshent Technologies

Mainframe Support Engineer

Belleville, IL · On-site

$47.50 - $61.25/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 ...

Neshent Technologies

Mainframe Support Engineer

Dupo, IL · On-site

$45.25 - $58.25/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 ...

Neshent Technologies

Mainframe Support Engineer

Columbia, IL · On-site

$48 - $61.75/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 ...

Neshent Technologies

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 ...

Atria Group LLC

Mainframe/Cobol developer

Bloomington, IL

$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 ...

Neshent Technologies

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 ...

Neshent Technologies

Mainframe Support Engineer

Madison, IL · On-site

$46.75 - $60/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 ...

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Mainframe Programmer information

See Illinois salary details

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How much do mainframe programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 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 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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Mainframe Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mainframe Programmer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 7% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,071 per year, or $52.4 per hour.

Mainframe Support Engineer

Neshent Technologies

Glen Carbon, IL • On-site

$45.75 - $59/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

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 processing, and production support operations. This role involves incident management, troubleshooting, batch monitoring, data analysis, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to ensure system stability and business continuity.

Primary Responsibilities
  • Provide L2/L3 production support for mainframe applications and services.
  • Investigate, troubleshoot, and resolve production incidents within defined SLAs.
  • Perform incident triage, root cause analysis, and implement timely resolutions.
  • Monitor and support batch jobs, identify job abends, and ensure successful batch processing.
  • Execute operational runbooks and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
  • Perform DB2 data analysis, reporting, and troubleshooting.
  • Collaborate with business users and technical teams to resolve production issues.
  • Maintain operational documentation, knowledge base articles, and support procedures.
  • Participate in incident communication, status updates, and post-incident reviews.
  • Support workforce management, time reporting, and overtime equalization processes where applicable.
  • Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and system reliability.
Required Skills & Qualifications
  • 5+ years of experience in Mainframe Production Support.
  • Strong hands-on experience with COBOL, DB2, VSAM, and Batch Processing.
  • Experience handling L2/L3 production support, incident management, and problem resolution.
  • Strong knowledge of batch scheduling, monitoring, and job abend analysis.
  • Experience with DB2 queries, data analysis, and report generation.
  • Understanding of production support processes, SLA management, and operational procedures.
  • Exposure to C# and VB.NET applications is desirable.
  • Excellent troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to work effectively with business and technical stakeholders.
  • Ability to work independently in a fast-paced production support environment.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience supporting workforce management or time reporting applications.
  • Knowledge of ITIL-based Incident and Problem Management processes.
  • Experience with production monitoring and operational support tools.
  • Ability to support after-hours or on-call production activities when required.

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