1

Mainframe Programmer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Mainframe Developer

Davenport, IA

$46.50 - $59.75/hr

Our Davenport, IA client has an immediate opening for a talented Mainframe Developer. If you are interested, please send your resume to Dani at dedgington@saigepartners.com As our client continues to ...

Mainframe Developer

Davenport, IA · Hybrid

$43.50 - $55.75/hr

BITCO Corporation is currently seeking a Mainframe Developer to join our Home Office team in Davenport, IA. BITCO provides quality insurance services to special industries including construction ...

Mainframe Developer

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$47.75 - $61.50/hr

Mainframe Developer Location: Des Moines, IA Full-Time Qualifications Additional Information All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Mainframe Developer

Davenport, IA · On-site +1

$43.50 - $55.75/hr

BITCO Corporation is currently seeking a Mainframe Developer to join our Home Office team in Davenport, IA. BITCO provides quality insurance services to special industries including construction ...

Mainframe Developer

Des Moines, IA · Hybrid

$47.75 - $61.50/hr

As an experienced Mainframe Developer ,you will have the ability to share new ideas and collaborate on projects as a consultant without the extensive demands of travel. The Project Delivery Talent ...

Mainframe Developer

Davenport, IA · Hybrid

$46.50 - $59.75/hr

As an experienced Mainframe Developer ,you will have the ability to share new ideas and collaborate on projects as a consultant without the extensive demands of travel. The Project Delivery Talent ...

Mainframe Techno/Functional Manager

Davenport, IA · Hybrid

$46.50 - $59.75/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 ...

Mainframe Techno/Functional Manager

Des Moines, IA · Hybrid

$47.75 - $61.50/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 ...

COBOL Developer

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$49 - $66.25/hr

We are seeking a seasoned COBOL Developer with 6+ years of experience in mainframe application development and support . The ideal candidate should have strong expertise in COBOL, JCL, DB2, and ...

Senior Systems Operations Engineer

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$102K - $139K/yr

This role requires strong hands-on mainframe application support experience and the ability to work ... Required : • 5+ years of Systems Engineering, Technology Architecture, or Mainframe Production ...

Lead Software Engineer

Cedar Rapids, IA · Hybrid

$111K - $135K/yr

Lead Software Engineer The Lead Software Engineer will leverage mainframe and API-driven web technologies to build and support application solutions. Provides lead support for design and development ...

Summary The Lead Software Engineer mainframe and API-driven web technologies to build and support application solutions. Provides lead support for design and development to one or more application ...

Integrate OIM with enterprise systems including Active Directory, Mainframe/RACF, databases ... Ability to reverse engineer existing logic and workflows * Exposure to audit and compliance ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Mainframe Programmer information

See Iowa salary details

$36

$50

$62

How much do mainframe programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe programmer in Iowa is $50.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44.23 and $59.38 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 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.

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 are the most commonly searched types of Mainframe Programmer jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Mainframe Programmer jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Mainframe Programmer jobs in Iowa? For Mainframe Programmer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Mainframe Programmer jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Mainframe Programmer jobs in Iowa are:
Infographic showing various Mainframe Programmer job openings in Iowa as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 7% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,722 per year, or $50.8 per hour.
Mainframe Developer

$46.50 - $59.75/hr

Other

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

Job Description We strive to be Your Future, Your Solution to accelerate your career. Our Davenport, IA client has an immediate opening for a talented Mainframe Developer. If you are interested, please send your resume to Dani at dedgington@saigepartners.com

As our client continues to integrate their Mainframe system into our infrastructure, they require a skilled Mainframe Developer to assist in the analysis and translation of existing legacy COBOL, JCL, and PL/1 code. The successful Mainframe Developer will play a critical role in deciphering the functionality of the existing codebase, translating it into clear specifications, and facilitating our modernization efforts. Key Responsibilities: Analyze existing legacy COBOL, JCL, and PL/1 code within the IBM Mainframe environment.

Break down complex code structures to understand underlying functionality and business logic. Translate legacy code into modern, digestible specifications to guide modernization efforts. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure accurate interpretation of code requirements.

Provide expertise and guidance on Mainframe system architecture and codebase. Qualifications: Extensive hands-on experience with IBM Mainframe, COBOL, JCL, and PL/1 code. Proven track record of "forensic" analysis and interpretation of Mainframe codebases.

Ability to dissect complex code structures and translate them into clear, actionable specifications. Strong consultative skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams. Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field preferred.

If you are passionate about Mainframe technology and possess the skills and experience required for this role, we encourage you to apply today. This is a Direct Hire role. Saige Partners, one of the fastest-growing technology and talent companies in the Midwest, believes in people with a passion for helping them succeed.

We are in the business of helping professionals Build Careers, Not Jobs. Saige Partners believes employees are the most valuable asset to building a thriving and successful company culture. Contact us to learn more about the opportunity below or check out other opportunities at https://careers.saigepartners.com/.