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Mainframe Programmer Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

PeopleServe

Mainframe Programmer

Boston, MA · On-site

Mainframe Programmer The expertise you have: * 10+ years of experience as a day-to-day Mainframe Developer working with COBOL, CICS, DB2, JCL, VSAM, MQ, etc. * Demonstrated experience with mainframe ...

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 ...

Purple Drive

Mainframe Developer

Southborough, MA · On-site

$49 - $63.25/hr

Role: Mainframe Developer Location: Southborough, MA • Design, code, test, and maintain mainframe applications using COBOL, JCL, DB2, IMS DB, CICS. • Develop and support batch and online ...

Diverse Lynx

Mainframe Developer

Quincy, MA · On-site

$51.50 - $66.25/hr

Role - Mainframe Developer Location - North Quincy MA (onsite) Exp need - 8+ years * Strong Knowledge in following areas. * COBOL| DB2| JCL|SQL Stored Procedure Development Supporting tools like ...

Teradata

Sr. Mainframe Application Developer

Boston, MA · On-site

$53.25 - $68.50/hr

What You'll Do Teradata is looking for a skilled Mainframe Developer to join our Customer Developer Tools (CDT) organization. This role is critical in supporting and evolving our mainframe-based ...

Diverse Lynx

mainframe tech lead

Boston, MA · On-site

$53.25 - $68.50/hr

Manage and mentor a team of mainframe developers, providing direction and fostering skill development. * Define and enforce architectural standards; participate in and lead design sessions for ...

E-Solutions

Mainframe z/OS System Programmer

Boston, MA · On-site

$59.75 - $76/hr

Mainframe z/OS System Programmer Location: Salisbury, NC/Boston, MA/Frisco, TX Note: Please submit senior profiles with minimum experience of 15+ years. Job Summary: We are seeking a highly skilled ...

Diverse Lynx

Mainframe Lead

Boston, MA · On-site

Manage and mentor a team of mainframe developers, providing direction and fostering skill development. * Define and enforce architectural standards; participate in and lead design sessions for ...

Ensono

Director, Mainframe Systems Programming

Boston, MA · On-site

$59.75 - $76/hr

Experienced in one or more mainframe infrastructure, hardware, system programming technologies. Alternative experiences must include high learning agility to acquire mainframe technology knowledge ...

Ensono

Senior Mainframe Developer

Boston, MA · On-site

$102K - $148K/yr

Senior Mainframe DeveloperRemote - United StatesJR013826 At Ensono, our Purpose is to be a relentless ally, disrupting the status quo and unleashing our clients to Do Great Things ! We enable our ...

Alkaeus

Mainframe Performance Analyst

Boston, MA · On-site

Prior experience in Mainframe Operations, Capacity Management, Performance Engineering, or Production Support. · Business Translation: Exceptional skills in translating complex technical data into ...

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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 Jun 30, 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 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.

More about Mainframe Programmer jobs
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What are popular job titles related to Mainframe Programmer jobs in MA? For Mainframe Programmer jobs in MA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Mainframe Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mainframe Programmer job openings in Massachusetts as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 11% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 83% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,927 per year, or $59.1 per hour.
Mainframe Programmer

Mainframe Programmer

PeopleServe

Boston, MA • On-site

Other

Posted 6 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Design and maintain architecture solutions on a platform dedicated to high scale processing of large amounts of data.

  • Work with Operations to plan major infrastructure upgrades, solve issues, and tune the environment for efficient performance and uptime.

  • Collaborate with peers and management on process improvement ideas, policy and procedure enhancements, and opportunities to improve the customer's service experience.

Job description

Mainframe Programmer

The expertise you have:

  • 10+ years of experience as a day-to-day Mainframe Developer working with COBOL, CICS, DB2, JCL, VSAM, MQ, etc.
  • Demonstrated experience with mainframe performance tuning and capacity planning, including ways to reduce I/O, CPU Time, and MIPs
  • Demonstrated experience writing COBOL/Native stored procedures
  • Good understanding and usage of mainframe tools
  • Experience in the development and deployment of both Batch and Online transaction processing applications
  • Experience in the Investment and financial industry would be a plus
  • Exposure to Distributed Technologies (Nice to have/Willing to learn)
  • Participation in on-call support rotation required
  • Working experience in agile development environment
  • Ability to plan and work with geographically spread-out teams
  • Proven communication skills
  • Passion for stability and resilience of the platform

The value you deliver:

  • Designing and maintaining architecture solutions on a platform dedicated to high scale processing of large amounts of data
  • Working with Operations to plan major infrastructure upgrades, to solve issues and to tune the environment for efficient performance and uptime
  • Collaborating with peers and management on process improvement ideas, policy and procedure enhancements, and opportunities to improve our customer's service experience
  • Participating in code review and unit testing and providing support on issues in non-rod or production
  • Communicating and reinforcing technical standards
  • Assessing and researching current implementations of the platform and determining the course of action required to elevate the platform to meet customer needs
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About PeopleSERVE

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

PeopleSERVE, Inc is a technology recruitment firm servicing the Boston market since 1999. As a result of the Management Buyout in 2018, PeopleSERVE has returned to its roots as a privately held provider. Headquartered in Boston, with satellite operations along the East Coast, our staff averages over 10 years of industry experience.

Industry

It services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Boston, MA, US

Year founded

1999

Social media

Twitter

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