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Mainframe Programmer Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

PeopleSERVE, Inc.

Mainframe Programmer

Boston, MA · On-site

PeopleSERVE, Inc. is seeking a Mainframe Programmer to design and maintain architecture solutions for high-scale data processing. The role involves collaborating with operations and management to ...

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 ...

thg

Senior Mainframe Engineer (REMOTE)

Worcester, MA · On-site +1

Our Information Technology team is seeking a Senior Infrastructure Mainframe Engineer to join our growing organization. This position is based in our Worcester, MA headquarters or may be performed ...

thg

Senior Mainframe Engineer (REMOTE)

Worcester, MA · On-site +1

Our Information Technology team is seeking a Senior Infrastructure Mainframe Engineer to join our growing organization. This position is based in our Worcester, MA headquarters or may be performed ...

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 ...

StradIT

Mainframe Capacity Planning Engineer - US

Boston, MA · On-site

$53.25 - $68.50/hr

Mainframe Capacity Planning Engineer Experience: 5 to 10 Years Employment: W2 (GC and USC only) Locations: Jersey City NJ, Tampa FL, Dallas TX & Boston MA Position Summary The Senior Capacity ...

Accenture

Mainframe Specialist

Boston, MA

$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 ...

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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 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 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 Massachusetts 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 $122,927 per year, or $59.1 per hour.

Mainframe Programmer

PeopleSERVE, Inc.

Boston, MA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Job Summary:
PeopleSERVE, Inc. is seeking a Mainframe Programmer to design and maintain architecture solutions for high-scale data processing. The role involves collaborating with operations and management to improve performance and service experiences, as well as participating in code reviews and providing technical support.
Responsibilities:
• 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
Qualifications:
Required:
• 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
• 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
Preferred:
• Experience in the Investment and financial Industry would be a plus
• Exposure to Distributed Technologies (Nice to have/Willing to learn)
Company:
PeopleSERVE, Inc is a technology recruitment firm servicing New England since 1999. Founded in 1999, the company is headquartered in Newton, USA, with a team of 11-50 employees. The company is currently Early Stage.
PeopleSERVE logo

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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