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Mainframe Programmer Jobs in New York (NOW HIRING)

Reviews, analyzes, and modifies programming systems including encoding, testing, debugging and installing for a large-scale mainframe computer system. * May require a bachelor's degree and 6-8 years ...

Reviews, analyzes, and modifies programming systems including encoding, testing, debugging and installing for a large-scale mainframe computer system. * May require a bachelor's degree and 6-8 years ...

Mainframe Engineer

Somerset, NJ · On-site

$49.25 - $63.25/hr

NAVA Software solutions is looking for a Mainframe Engineer Details: Mainframe Engineer Location: Somerset, NJ - Remote to start Duration: 6 months CTH What You Will Do: * Legacy application ...

Mainframe Developer

Morristown, NJ · On-site

$50.50 - $64.75/hr

Role: Sr. Mainframe Engineer Location: Morris Plains, NJ , Memphis TN, Somerset NJ, Austin TX, St. Louis MO, Morristown NJ Remote to start - Hybrid from Nov onwards Duration: 6-12 months What You ...

Mainframe Developer

Jersey City, NJ · On-site

$51.25 - $65.75/hr

Senior Mainframe Developer Location: New York City, NY/ Jersey City, NJ - 4 Days onsite role Mandatory Skills: COBOL, JCL, DB2, VSAM and CICS Integration and should be hands on only. Role Overview:

Mainframe Engineer/Developer

Jersey City, NJ · On-site

$51.25 - $65.75/hr

Mainframe Engineer/Developer Location: New Jersey (hybrid Onsite) Job Type: Contract We are seeking an experienced Mainframe Engineer/Developer to join a collaborative, high-performing technology ...

Mainframe Developer

Jersey City, NJ · On-site

$53.75 - $69/hr

... programmer with the ability to design, develop and tests within the mainframe environment (COBOL, CICS, JCL and DB2 Must have experience on resolving production job abends and debugging skills ...

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Mainframe Programmer information

See New York salary details

$42

$59

$73

How much do mainframe programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe programmer in New York is $59.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51.54 and $69.18 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Mainframe Programmer jobs in New York? The most popular types of Mainframe Programmer jobs in New York are:
What job categories do people searching Mainframe Programmer jobs in New York look for? The top searched job categories for Mainframe Programmer jobs in New York are:
What cities in New York are hiring for Mainframe Programmer jobs? Cities in New York with the most Mainframe Programmer job openings:
Infographic showing various Mainframe Programmer job openings in New York as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 25% Full Time, and 75% Contract. Highlights an 50% In-person, 25% Hybrid, and 25% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,142 per year, or $59.2 per hour.

Mainframe Programmer Analyst

City of New York

Manhattan, NY • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 29 days ago


City Of New York rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 81 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

620th of 844 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Job Description

The Financial Information Services Agency and the Office of Payroll Administration (FISA-OPA) has a vacancy for a Mainframe Programmer Analyst.
FISA maintains a mainframe payroll application that is integrated with the City's timekeeping and personnel application for active employees. Additionally, FISA maintains a mainframe Pension Payroll system that is integrated/interfaces with five separate pension agencies for retirees. Mainframe development work is triaged through the analyst group and as a mainframe programmer analyst, along with the Lead, the programmer analyst shall review the business/technical requirements, and provide technical guidance as well as architectural suggestions. The programmer analyst shall support the current ongoing development work of the long term, highly complex PMS replacement project. The programmer analyst shall work closely with the technical Lead and FISA analyst, testing, and operations staff to create accurate and efficient processes. The programmer analyst shall support production payroll and pension payroll activities.
Primary Responsibilities: Under the direction of the technical lead, work in a techno-functional capacity with a strong understanding of business processes, mainframe programming (COBOL), and relational databases to design, program, and assist in determining impact of change to programs and systems. Shall also review and analyze program specifications to determine the effort needed to make changes. The programmer analyst shall also be On-Call for overnight and weekend Payroll and Pension Payroll processes.
Preferred Skills
- Strong experience as a senior mainframe (COBOUIMS/D82) programmer
- Strong experience with JCUPROCS/CTLCARDS
- Strong experience design/program and architecture in a mainframe environment
- Strong production coverage and troubleshooting experience
- Strong knowledge of RMDS/EXPEDITER/File-Aid for IMS/D82
- Strong experience with management of Technical Staff
- Extensive experience in the preparation of structure charts or invocation diagrams
- Extensive experience designing the architecture of mainframe applications and dependencies
- Excellent understanding of systems development lifecycle methodologies
- Experience working with enterprise wide, large-scale implementation
- Knowledge of the City's legacy payroll management system
- Knowledge of the City's personnel processing
- Knowledge of the City's timekeeping processing
- Excellent communication skills (Oral and Written), interpersonal, and organizational skills
Additional Information
P-248
The City of New York offers a comprehensive set of benefits and programs to employees, including health insurance, pension plan, Deferred Compensation Plan (with 457, 401K and Roth IRA options), pre-tax Commuter Benefit program, pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts programs and more. Additional benefits such as prescription drug coverage, dental benefits, vision care benefits and more are also available through District Council 37 - Local 2627, the union that represents employees in this title.
To Apply
Applicants may visit the Jobs NYC website: www.nyc.gov/jobs and apply to Job ID: 783081. While all complete applications will be given consideration, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Public Svc Loan Forgiveness
As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment program. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education's website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.
Hours/Shift
35 hours Weekly/Day.
Work Location
5 Manhattan West, NY, NY
IT PROJECT SPECIALIST - 95710

Qualifications

1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college in computer science, engineering, human computer interaction, interactive media, digital and graphics design, data visualization, communication or a related field, and four years of satisfactory full-time experience related to the area(s) required by the particular position and a specialization in a relevant technology, process, methodology and/or domain; or
2. An associate degree from an accredited college in computer science, engineering, human computer interaction, interactive media, digital and graphics design, data visualization, communication or a related field, and six years of satisfactory full-time experience related to the area(s) required by the particular position and a specialization in a relevant technology, process, methodology and/or domain; or
3. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college, and eight years of satisfactory full-time experience related to the area(s) required by the particular position and a specialization in a relevant technology, process, methodology and/or domain; or
4. Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1", "2", or "3" above.

Additional Information

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.


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