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Mainframe Programmer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Mainframe Specialist

Morristown, TN · On-site

$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 ...

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 ...

We are searching for a Lead Mainframe Storage Engineer to join the Z Infrastructure team responsible for providing a highly available Z Compute and Storage platform, resilient against infra failures ...

... Mainframe, Talend, and EDI. This is a hands-on technical role. You'll set QA strategy, build and ... You'll work closely with developers and product owners in an environment that moves fast and ...

... Mainframe, Talend, and EDI. This is a hands-on technical role. You'll set QA strategy, build and ... You'll work closely with developers and product owners in an environment that moves fast and ...

$45K - $121K/yr

As a Software Engineer - ETL/Informatica Developer within PNC's Retail Technology organization, you ... Extract and process data from mainframe sources (VSAM, flat files, COBOL copybooks, DB2)

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Mainframe Programmer information

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$35

$49

$60

How much do mainframe programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe programmer in Tennessee is $49.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42.74 and $57.40 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 popular job titles related to Mainframe Programmer jobs in Tennessee?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Mainframe Programmer job openings in Tennessee 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 $102,159 per year, or $49.1 per hour.

Mainframe Specialist

Accenture

Morristown, TN • On-site

$70K - $196K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago


Accenture Federal Services rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

51st of 499 rated business services


Job description

About the Role

Are you a seasoned Mainframe Specialist with deep, hands-on command of COBOL, JCL, VSAM, CICS, DB2, Assembler, REXX, SPUFI, TSO/ISPF, and RACF? We are looking for exceptional talent to join our Mainframe Modernization practice and serve as a technical anchor for high-impact transformation programs. Depending on experience, this role may be filled at the Mainframe Specialist or Associate Manager level.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership

  • Serve as subject-matter expert across core mainframe technologies, providing hands-on guidance to project teams and clients.

  • Lead the design, development, and modernization of mainframe applications, enforcing best practices and architectural standards.

  • Evaluate legacy systems and propose actionable modernization strategies-covering rehosting, refactoring, re-platforming, and reengineering approaches.

  • Oversee the implementation of approved modernization roadmaps, from inception through go-live.

Collaboration & Delivery

  • Partner with cross-functional teams-architects, developers, QA, and business analysts-to gather requirements, analyze business needs, and deliver high-quality solutions.

  • Collaborate with senior leadership to secure executive sponsorship and organizational buy-in for modernization investments.

  • Maintain strong client and stakeholder relationships, providing expert guidance on strategy, risk, and solution design.

People & Practice Development

  • Mentor and coach junior team members, cultivating their mainframe and modernization skills.

  • Define and continuously refine the practice roadmap, aligning modernization initiatives with organizational goals.

  • Stay current with industry trends and emerging mainframe technologies, incorporating new capabilities into the practice.

This role may require up to 100% travel based on client engagement requirements

Basic Qualifications

  • Minimum 3+ years of hands-on mainframe development experience in one or more of: COBOL, JCL, VSAM, CICS, DB2, Assembler, REXX, SPUFI, TSO/ISPF, or RACF.

  • Minimum 3+ years leading or executing mainframe modernization initiatives with a demonstrable track record of delivery.

  • Bachelor's degree, or equivalent minimum 12 years' work experience. (Associate's Degree requires minimum 6 years' work experience.)

Preferred Qualifications

  • Certifications in mainframe technologies (e.g., IBM Certified) and project management (e.g., PMP, SAFe).

  • Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills-proven ability to inspire and motivate cross-functional teams.

  • Strategic thinker with the ability to analyze complex legacy environments and craft innovative, pragmatic modernization solutions.

  • Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) as modernization targets.


Compensation at Accenture varies depending on a wide array of factors, which may include but are not limited to the specific office location, role, skill set, and level of experience. As required by local law, Accenture provides a reasonable range of compensation for roles that may be hired as set forth below.
We anticipate this job posting will be posted until 08/16/2026.
Accenture offers a market competitive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability coverage, a 401(k) plan, bonus opportunities, paid holidays, and paid time off. See more information on our benefits here:

U.S. Employee Benefits | Accenture


Role Location Annual Salary Range
California $70,350 to $196,000
Cleveland $59,100 to $156,800
Colorado $63,800 to $169,300
District of Columbia $68,000 to $180,300
Illinois $59,100 to $169,300
Maine $54,400 to $144,300
Maryland $63,800 to $169,300
Massachusetts $63,800 to $180,300
Minnesota $63,800 to $169,300
New York $66,300 to $196,000
New Jersey $68,000 to $196,000
Virginia $59,100 to $180,300
Washington $80,200 to $180,300

About Accenture

Accenture is a leading global professional services company that helps the world's leading businesses, governments and other organizations build their digital core, optimize their operations, accelerate revenue growth and enhance citizen services-creating tangible value at speed and scale. We are a talent- and innovation-led company with approximately 791,000 people serving clients in more than 120 countries. Technology is at the core of change today, and we are one of the world's leaders in helping drive that change, with strong ecosystem relationships. We combine our strength in technology and leadership in cloud, data and AI with unmatched industry experience, functional expertise and global delivery capability. Our broad range of services, solutions and assets across Strategy & Consulting, Technology, Operations, Industry X and Song, together with our culture of shared success and commitment to creating 360 value, enable us to help our clients reinvent and build trusted, lasting relationships. We measure our success by the 360 value we create for our clients, each other, our shareholders, partners and communities.

Visit us atwww.accenture.com

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Inclusion and diversity are fundamental to our culture and core values. Our rich diversity makes us more innovative and more creative, which helps us better serve our clients and our communities.Read more here

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Accenture is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for persons with disabilities or religious observances, including reasonable accommodation when needed. If you are hired by Accenture and require accommodation to perform the essential functions of your role, you will be asked to participate in our reasonable accommodation process. Accommodations made to facilitate the recruiting process are not a guarantee of future or continued accommodations once hired.

If you would like to be considered for employment opportunities with Accenture and have accommodation needs such as for a disability or religious observance, please call us toll free at 1 (877) 889-9009 or send us anemailor speak with your recruiter.

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We believe that no one should be discriminated against because of their differences.All employment decisions shall be made without regard to age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability status, military veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status or any other basis as protected by applicable law.Our rich diversity makes us more innovative, more competitive, and more creative, which helps us better serve our clients and our communities.

For details, view a copy of the Accenture Equal Opportunity Statement

Accenture is an EEO and Affirmative Action Employer of Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.

Accenture is committed to providing veteran employment opportunities to our service men and women.

Other Employment Statements

Applicants for employment in the US must have work authorization that does not now or in the future require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the United States.

Candidates who are currently employed by a client of Accenture or an affiliated Accenture business may not be eligible for consideration.

Job candidates will not be obligated to disclose sealed or expunged records of conviction or arrest as part of the hiring process. Further, at Accenture a criminal conviction history is not an absolute bar to employment.

The Company will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Additionally, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the Company's legal duty to furnish information.

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