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Mainframe Programmer Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

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Mainframe Programmer information

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How much do mainframe programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Mainframe Programmer jobs in Massachusetts?

The most popular types of Mainframe Programmer jobs in Massachusetts are:

What are popular job titles related to Mainframe Programmer jobs in Massachusetts?

For Mainframe Programmer jobs in Massachusetts, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Mainframe Programmer jobs in Massachusetts look for?

The top searched job categories for Mainframe Programmer jobs in Massachusetts are:

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.

Software Engineering & Development, Officer

State Street Corporation

Quincy, MA • On-site

$70K - $118K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 16 days ago


Job description

Who we are looking for
State Street is looking for an experienced Mainframe Application Developer to lead development on the core accounting applications. The candidate should have 4+ years of experience developing enterprise scale applications and have a proven track record demonstrating subject matter expertise in a complex financial domain. The candidate will work closely with business/IT stakeholders and teammates across the globe.
Why this role is important to us
The team you will be joining is part of Global Technology Services (GTS), which delivers enterprise technology capabilities that support State Street's global businesses. Within GTS, this role is aligned to the Accounting value stream, focused on designing and delivering complex technology solutions that support high-volume, time-critical processing crucial to producing a Fund's Net Asset Value. The position plays a pivotal role in shaping technology strategy and execution, ensuring solutions are built for reliability, scalability, and strong controls while meeting stringent regulatory, operational, and client expectations.
What you will be responsible for
  • We are looking for a candidate who is highly motivated, energetic, and technologically savvy.
  • Can work independently or as part of a development team in a highly competitive and fast paced environment.
  • The individual must have strong communications skills, as he or she will be responsible for interacting with other IT as well as business areas.
  • As Senior Developer Officer and a member of the Back Office Accounting IT team at State Street the successful candidate:
  • Will be responsible for Application Design, Development and Resiliency for business applications on the accounting platform.
  • Will have the exciting opportunity to contribute and grow within a diverse team of developers, analysts, testers and technologists.
  • Will collaborate with other developers, development managers, business partners, architecture leads and risk team members as needed in order to ensure solutions are sound from all perspectives

What we value
These skills will help you succeed in this role
  • Strong critical thinking, problem solving, and decision-making skills
  • Continuous improvement in the Application Development and support processes
  • Identify and complete opportunities for automation
  • Meet or exceed commitments to customers
  • Promote agile application development where appropriate.

Education & Preferred Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Math or associated areas
  • 4+ years of experience in a large financial services organization
  • Mainframe experience is required (PL/I, Cobol, CICS, SQL, JCL, DB2)
  • Experience in or knowledge of Agile or Industrialized Agile a plus.

Work Requirement
  • Hybrid with minimum 4 days in office
  • 8:00 AM to 5 PM

Salary Range:
$70,000 - $118,750 Annual
The range quoted above applies to the role in the location specified. If the candidate would ultimately work outside of the location above, the applicable range could differ.
Employees are eligible to participate in State Street's comprehensive benefits program, which includes: our retirement savings plan (401K) with company match; insurance coverage including basic life, medical, dental, vision, long-term disability, and other optional additional coverages; paid-time off including vacation, sick leave, short term disability, and family care responsibilities; access to our Employee Assistance Program; incentive compensation including eligibility for annual performance-based awards (excluding certain sales roles subject to sales incentive plans); and, eligibility for certain tax advantaged savings plans.
For a full overview, visit https://hrportal.ehr.com/statestreet/Home.
About State Street
Across the globe, institutional investors rely on us to help them manage risk, respond to challenges, and drive performance and profitability. We keep our clients at the heart of everything we do, and smart, engaged employees are essential to our continued success.
We are committed to fostering an environment where every employee feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential. As an essential partner in our shared success, you'll benefit from inclusive development opportunities, flexible work-life support, paid volunteer days, and vibrant employee networks that keep you connected to what matters most. Join us in shaping the future.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we consider all qualified applicants for all positions without regard to race, creed, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, age, disability, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, citizenship, marital status, domestic partnership or civil union status, familial status, military and veteran status, and other characteristics protected by applicable law.
Discover more information on jobs at StateStreet.com/careers
Read our CEO Statement
Job Application Disclosure:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

State Street logo

About State Street

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

State Street is one of the largest custodian banks, asset managers and asset intelligence companies in the world. From technology to product innovation, we're making our mark on the financial services industry. For more than two centuries, we've been helping our clients safeguard and steward the investments of millions of people. We provide investment servicing, data & analytics, investment research & trading and investment management to institutional clients.

Industry

Finance and insurance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Boston, MA, US

Year founded

1792

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