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Mainframe Programmer Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Stem Xpert

Mainframe Programmer

Salem, OR · On-site

Reviews, analyzes, and modifies programming systems including encoding, testing, debugging and documenting programs. May require an associate's degree in a related area and at least 2 years or ...

Aflac, Incorporated

Principal Software Engineer

$123K - $170K/yr

... programming languages and cloud development. • Mastery of Scrum, DevOps, and Test-Driven ... mainframe operating systems or major subsystems, and associated software and hardware products ...

Mechanical Orchard

OR

You'll lead complex, consultative sales cycles for mainframe modernization, selling to senior business and technical buyers (CIO, CTO, VP Engineering) where the decision involves many stakeholders ...

krg technology inc

Performance Tester

Portland, OR

... in mainframe will be an added advantage Deep knowledge of Java (or equivalent) programming language and design patterns from a performance point of view. Experience in both Windows and UNIX ...

New York Life

$90K - $128K/yr

Hybrid - 3 days per quarter Role Overview The DevOps Engineer is responsible for designing ... and Mainframe technologies. Pay Transparency Salary Range: $90,000-$128,500 Overtime eligible:

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Mainframe Programmer information

See Oregon salary details

$40

$57

$70

How much do mainframe programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe programmer in Oregon is $57.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49.81 and $66.83 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is mainframe developer salary?

The salary for 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 environments may earn higher compensation. Many employers also offer benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.

Is mainframe developer a good career?

Mainframe developers design, maintain, and update large-scale legacy systems using languages like COBOL and tools such as JCL. The role offers stable employment opportunities, especially in finance and government sectors, with competitive salaries and demand for specialized skills. However, it requires ongoing learning of mainframe technologies and certifications to stay current in the field.

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 tech jobs pay $400,000 a year?

Mainframe programmers with extensive experience, specialized skills in COBOL, and certifications can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $400,000 annually, especially in senior or leadership roles within large financial or government organizations. High compensation often depends on expertise, project complexity, and the ability to manage critical legacy systems.

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 COBOL, JCL, and mainframe environments. While AI can automate certain tasks like code analysis and testing, it is unlikely to fully replace mainframe programmers due to the complexity, stability, and critical nature of mainframe systems that demand expert oversight and maintenance.

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.

More about Mainframe Programmer jobs
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Mainframe Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mainframe Programmer job openings in Oregon as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,006 per year, or $57.2 per hour.
Mainframe Programmer

Mainframe Programmer

Stem Xpert

Salem, OR • On-site

Other

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Company Description

TekWissen is a global management consulting, technological service and outsourcing company delivering technology-driven business solutions to meet the strategically driven objectives for our numerous clients.

Job Description
Reviews, analyzes, and modifies programming systems including encoding, testing, debugging and documenting programs. May require an associate's degree in a related area and at least 2 years or equivalent experience in the field or in a related area. Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of tasks. A certain degree of creativity and latitude is required.
Additional Requirements:
Applicant should have expertise and through working knowledge in each of the following: COBOL, CICS, VSAM, DB2, TSO and JCL.
Knowledge of Macrosope Methodology to document testing and implementation would be helpful, however it is not a mandatory requirement


Additional Information
Thanks & Regards...
Manas
Talent Acquisition Executive
321 S Main street,
Suite 300,
Ann Arbor,
Michigan-48104, USA.    Tel       :  734-259-2181 Ext:299
Direct :  734-357-8992
Fax      :  734-468-0881
Web   :  www.tekwissen.com
Global : USA | Dubai | Singapore | India |
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About stem xpert

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

STEM Xpert, based in Ann Arbor, MI, US, is a leading company in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education industry. Since their establishment, they have made an indelible mark by providing innovative services and products designed to enhance STEM learning. Their service portfolio includes comprehensive educational programs, customized learning modules and interactive STEM kits. Driven by a passion for nurturing young minds, the company's mission is to bring about an educational renaissance in the STEM field, making learning not just theoretical but practical and fun. One notable achievement for STEM Xpert has been its success in reaching a broad spectrum of learners, from school-age to adults, contributing significantly towards empowering the community's technological and scientific literacy.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Ann Arbor, MI, US

Year founded

2012

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