1

Mainframe Programmer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Field Engineer? Service Technician? Or do you want to start a career in this field? Are you tech ... Familiarity with large servers, mainframe computers, and imaging software. * A+ Certification ...

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 29, 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 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 Documentation may be sparse or outdated, requiring strong problem-solving and analytical skills to decipher business logic.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 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 10% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 83% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,722 per year, or $50.8 per hour.
Sys & Development Analyst 2/3

Full-time

Posted 16 days ago


Berkshire Hathaway Energy rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Under limited supervision, the systems and development analyst conducts analysis, creates system specifications, develops, tests and implements engineering, scientific and business applications, operating systems, and file/database servers. Utilizes existing or new technology in the automation of processes. Evaluates software packages and provides recommendations to management.

MidAmerican Energy Company, a Midwest utility, provides regulated electric and natural gas service to more than 1.6 million customers in Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota. The company owns and operates a portfolio of power-generating assets, approximately 61% of which is wind generation.MidAmerican Energy Company is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion or religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status (except as required by law), gender (including gender identity and expression), sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, familial or parental status, marital status or any other category protected by applicable local, state or U.S. federal law. Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without an accommodation.

Bachelor's degree in management information systems (MIS), computer science or related technical field or equivalent work experience. (Typically four years of related, progressive work experience would be needed for candidates applying for this position who do not possess a bachelor's degree.) 

A minimum of three years of experience in systems analysis or software application development sys & development analyst 2. 

A minimum of five years of experience in systems analysis or software application development sys & development analyst 3. 

Experience with SharePoint, Power Automate, Power Apps, Oracle WebCenter Sites, and Python is preferred. 

Working knowledge of programming in client/server, mainframe or web development environment. Working knowledge of relational database technology. 

Working knowledge of information technology terms, equipment, systems, functions and major vendors. 

Effective oral and written communication skills. 

Effective analytical and problem-solving skills. 

Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks and projects concurrently. Availability for periodic on-call responsibilities. 

Experience integrating Commercial off the Shelf (COTS) solutions within an environment with strong change and release management processes and procedures. 

Technical knowledge with hands-on experience in Oracle and Microsoft SQL database development. 

Technical knowledge with hands-on experience in .NET and other current computing programming languages. 

Provides technical support; problem determination and investigation; implementation of software patches and upgrades for commercial (vendor) applications. 

Support client server packages both thick and thin clients, and web applications. 

Conduct research and fact-finding to develop or modify application programs; work with vendors to review quality, adaptability and compatibility of their products. 

Provides some technical responsibility for an application involving multiple support personnel that is critical to the operation of the business; or serves as a technical leader, or provides extensive knowledge and skill in a unique technical area. 

Designs, codes, tests, documents, implements and maintains moderately complex application programs and interfaces. 

Provide customer support for package software and associated interfaces. 

Work with vendors to resolve problems with software and respond to suggestions for improvement and enhancements. 

Consult with application users, evaluates user requests for new or modified computer applications and associated interfaces to determine feasibility, cost and time required, compatibility with current systems and computer capabilities. 

Research and analyze strategies, programs, and processes across and between all corporate functions. 

Perform basic system analysis and design functions, handle critical development issues, research and analyze data. 

May guide other analysts in the completion of assigned projects. 

Provides technical input to assist in development of project planning. 

Performs any additional responsibilities as requested or assigned.


What Berkshire Hathaway Energy employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom