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Mainframe Programmer Jobs in New Jersey (NOW HIRING)

Hired By Matrix

Mainframe Engineer

Livingston, NJ · On-site

$53.50 - $68.75/hr

Minimum of 10 years of experience as a senior z/OS System Programmer. * Significant (7 or more years) systems engineering mainframe support. Additional Information All your information will be kept ...

Dew Softech Inc

Senior COBOL /Mainframe Developer

Trenton, NJ · On-site

$49.25 - $63.25/hr

Senior COBOL /Mainframe Developer Location: Trenton, NJ (On site) Position Type: Contract In Person interview *Local Candidates only. Candidates should have strong background in Cobol, ADABAS, and ...

New

1 point system

Mainframe Engineer

Jersey City, NJ · On-site

$51.25 - $65.75/hr

The Brokerage Record Technology Tax Engineering team within Fidelity Wealth Technology is looking for a passionate and experienced Senior Mainframe Software Engineer to help design, enhance, and ...

Hirekeyz Inc

Mainframe Engineer

Jersey City, NJ · On-site

$51.25 - $65.75/hr

Mainframe Engineer Location : Jersey City, NJ Job Type: W-2/Full Time Mandatory Skills - Cobol , DB2 , JCL . the candidate needs to be really good in DB2 as it involves a lot of DB work. Sector:

DSNSearch

MAINFRAME NETWORK SYSTEMS PROGRAMMER

Hoboken, NJ

$60.25 - $76.50/hr

MAINFRAME NETWORK SYSTEMS ENGINEER (MID TO SENIOR LEAD LEVEL) MAINFRAME**TCP-IP**VTAM**Z/OS HYBRID~MUST WORK ON SITE AT LEAST 2 DAYS A WEEK AND LIVE NEAR LOCATION BONUS OPPORTUNITY!! * 10+ YEARS ...

S2SSoft

Mainframe Developer

Edison, NJ · On-site

$49.75 - $63.75/hr

Mainframe Developer Location Edison, NJ (3 days onsite) - Hybrid Contract Life insurance domain is needed for all roles Mainframe-COBOL JD : Key Responsibilities: 1. Own end-to-end solution design ...

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Mainframe Programmer information

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How much do mainframe programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe programmer in New Jersey is $54.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47.84 and $64.18 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 New Jersey 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 $114,273 per year, or $54.9 per hour.

Mainframe Developer with JAVA

Ruri Software Technologies LLC

Basking Ridge, NJ • On-site

$50.50 - $65/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Mainframe Developer with JAVA
Duration: 8+ months
Location: Basking Ridge,NJ (hibrid)
• Programming experience on Mainframe COBOL/CICS/MQ
• Strong in triaging production issues using all the basic tools in Mainframe.
• Knowing Java/distributed solutions will be super plus
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with ability to work collaboratively across the organization.
• Understanding and experience of Product Development Life Cycle, Business Requirement Specification documentation and experience of working in an Agile environment.

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