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Mainframe Programmer Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

Cognize Tech Solutions LLC

Mainframe Developer

Quincy, MA · On-site

$51.50 - $66.25/hr

Mainframe Developers (Solid work experience from Capital Markets and Mainframe Development in Fund Accounting (Accounting Platforms) area) Location : Quincy, MA Onsite/Hybrid : 4 days work from ...

Broadcom

Senior Mainframe DevOps Architect

Andover, MA · On-site

$131K - $178K/yr

About the Role We are seeking a Senior Mainframe DevOps Architect to lead solution design and own end-to-end architecture for enterprise customers-translating complex business requirements into ...

Saxon Global

Mainframe Developer (Need Face to face)

Quincy, MA · On-site

$51.50 - $66.25/hr

Saxon Global is seeking a Mainframe Developer for a contract position in Quincy, MA. The role involves designing and coding complex software applications, participating in requirements gathering, and ...

Accenture

Mainframe Specialist

Boston, MA · On-site

$70K - $196K/yr

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 ...

HTC Global Services

MF Cobol developer

Boston, MA · On-site

$53.25 - $68.50/hr

... COBOL Developer a { text-decoration: none; color: #464feb; } tr th, tr td { border: 1px solid ... Integrate Mainframe applications with other systems and platforms to support data flow and ...

HTC Global Services Inc

MF Cobol developer

Boston, MA · On-site

$53.25 - $68.50/hr

Mainframe COBOL Developer Overview / Summary We are seeking a highly skilled Mainframe COBOL Developer with 4+ years of experience in Mainframe development to join our team working onsite in Madison ...

DSNSearch

SYSTEMS PROGRAMMER Z/OS

Boston, MA · Hybrid

SENIOR SYSTEMS PROGRAMMER Z/OS SYSTEMS PROGRAMMER ~~ Z/OS ~ ~ MAIFRAME ~~ INTERNALS ~~ PRODUCT ... Z/OS MAINFRAME PERFORMANCE AND TUNING * DEBUGGING SKILLS * STRONG KNOWLEDGE OF MONITORING TOOLS At ...

Broadcom, Inc.

R&D Software Engineer

Framingham, MA · On-site

Broadcom's Mainframe Software Division (MSD) is looking for a talented and motivated Software Engineer with a passion for building high quality applications using agile practices to join our ...

Broadcom

R&D Software Engineer

Framingham, MA · On-site

Broadcom's Mainframe Software Division (MSD) is looking for a talented and motivated Software Engineer with a passion for building high quality applications using agile practices to join our ...

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Mainframe Programmer information

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$42

$59

$72

How much do mainframe programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe programmer in Massachusetts is $59.10, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51.44 and $69.04 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.
More about Mainframe Programmer jobs
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Mainframe Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mainframe Programmer job openings in Massachusetts as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 11% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,927 per year, or $59.1 per hour.

Mainframe Developer

Cognize Tech Solutions LLC

Quincy, MA • On-site

$51.50 - $66.25/hr

Other

Re-posted 2 hours ago

Job description

Position: Mainframe Developers (Solid work experience from Capital Markets and Mainframe Development in Fund Accounting (Accounting Platforms) area)
Location: Quincy, MA
Onsite/Hybrid: 4 days work from office
Scope of Work:
The key responsibilities of the Application Development Engineer include, but are not limited to, the following:

An experienced Application Development Engineer with 8 10 years of relevant expertise in analyzing, developing, and maintaining software within a Mainframe environment using PL/1 or COBOL.

Proficiency in analyzing and thoroughly understanding existing software applications.

Identifying gaps or missing processes in the lower BUAT environment.

Developing software programs to align with project timelines and schedules.

Strong knowledge of job scheduling processes.

Excellent analytical skills to address complex challenges effectively.

Capability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team setting.

Accountability for development deliverables and ensuring quality outcomes.

Required Skills:

Expertise in PL/1 or COBOL, DB2, JCL, CICS, and OPC Scheduling.

Preferred Skills:

Familiarity with MQ and RDz.