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Mainframe Programmer Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

mainframe programmer/developer

Madison, WI · On-site

$49.50 - $63.50/hr

RIT Solutions, Inc. is seeking a Mainframe Programmer/Developer for a contract position in Pennington, NJ. The role requires expertise in COBOL, DB2, and JCL, focusing on batch-oriented processing ...

Mainframe Programmer

Brookfield, WI · On-site

$41 - $46/hr

Pay Range: $41hr - $46hr Requirement/Must Have: * 1+ years of experience in Mainframe Technologies COBOL, VSAM, DB2, CICS, JCL. * Knowledge in GIT and IDZ is an additional advantage.​​​​​ ...

Mainframe Programmer

Brookfield, WI · On-site

$41 - $46/hr

Pay Range: $41hr - $46hr Requirement/Must Have: * 1+ years of experience in Mainframe Technologies COBOL, VSAM, DB2, CICS, JCL. * Knowledge in GIT and IDZ is an additional advantage.​​​​​ ...

Mainframe Programmer

Brookfield, WI · On-site

$41 - $46/hr

Pay Range: $41hr - $46hr Requirement/Must Have: * 1+ years of experience in Mainframe Technologies COBOL, VSAM, DB2, CICS, JCL. * Knowledge in GIT and IDZ is an additional advantage.​​​​​ ...

Mainframe Programmer

Brookfield, WI · On-site

$41 - $46/hr

Pay Range: $41hr - $46hr Requirement/Must Have: * 1+ years of experience in Mainframe Technologies COBOL, VSAM, DB2, CICS, JCL. * Knowledge in GIT and IDZ is an additional advantage.​​​​​ ...

Mainframe Programmer

Brookfield, WI · On-site

$41 - $46/hr

Pay Range: $41hr - $46hr Requirement/Must Have: * 1+ years of experience in Mainframe Technologies COBOL, VSAM, DB2, CICS, JCL. * Knowledge in GIT and IDZ is an additional advantage.​​​​​ ...

Mainframe Programmer

Brookfield, WI · On-site

$41 - $46/hr

Pay Range: $41hr - $46hr Requirement/Must Have: * 1+ years of experience in Mainframe Technologies COBOL, VSAM, DB2, CICS, JCL. * Knowledge in GIT and IDZ is an additional advantage.​​​​​ ...

Mainframe Engineer-Franklin, WI

Franklin, WI · On-site

$45.50 - $58.50/hr

Georgia IT, Inc. is seeking a Mainframe Engineer to join their team in Franklin, WI. The role involves designing, developing, and testing program units while ensuring adherence to SDLC standards and ...

Cobol / Mainframe Developer

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$48.25 - $62/hr

They are seeking a Cobol / Mainframe Developer to work within Card Management Systems, focusing on backend business logic and coding experience. The role requires strong expertise in Cobol ...

Mainframe Developer

Brookfield, WI · On-site

$60K - $135K/yr

Job Title: Mainframe Developer City: Brookfield State/Province: Wisconsin Posting Start Date: 6/29/26 Wipro Limited (NYSE: WIT, BSE: 507685, NSE: WIPRO) is a leading technology services and ...

Mainframe Developer - Brookfield, WI

Brookfield, WI · On-site

$46.50 - $59.75/hr

ClifyX is seeking a Mainframe Developer to join their team. The role involves full life cycle development of business applications, supporting and modifying existing applications, and driving the ...

Mainframe Specialist

Milwaukee, WI · 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 ...

Mainframe CICS Systems Engineer

Wauwatosa, WI · On-site

$47.50 - $61.25/hr

The Mainframe CICS Systems Programmer/Engineer is responsible for all phases of CICS engineering, system and software maintenance, and CICS related operational functions. The candidate must be ...

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Mainframe Programmer information

See Wisconsin salary details

$39

$54

$67

How much do mainframe programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe programmer in Wisconsin is $54.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47.55 and $63.80 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 Wisconsin?

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

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

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

Infographic showing various Mainframe Programmer job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 7% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,611 per year, or $54.6 per hour.

mainframe programmer/developer

RIT Solutions, Inc.

Madison, WI • On-site

$49.50 - $63.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

Job Summary:
RIT Solutions, Inc. is seeking a Mainframe Programmer/Developer for a contract position in Pennington, NJ. The role requires expertise in COBOL, DB2, and JCL, focusing on batch-oriented processing within a classic mainframe environment.
Qualifications:
Required:
• COBOL
• DB2
• JCL
• Mainframe batch processing (end-of-day / midnight cycles)
• Good communication skills
• Strong communication skills (critical due to offshore coordination)
• Calm demeanor / steady personality
• Able to collaborate across multiple stakeholders
• Positive attitude + team-oriented
• Comfortable in daily standups and Agile workflows
Preferred:
• Agile framework experience required
• Jira / Horizon
• Endevor (code repository)
• ISPW (nice to have; transitioning toward it)
• Octane (testing; previously test scripts)
• Exposure to Copilot for code rewrites/modifications
Company:
Jobdiva Job Portal: https://www1.jobdiva.com/candidates/myjobs/searchjobsdone.jsp?a=xbjdnwgjodtga1y1im2g881fkkeiwd0775lbvq8yqgps8vb2q36w2vj1ga6xxork&compid=-1 Recruitment (contingency search and campus selection). Founded in 2019, the company is headquartered in Arlington, USA, with a team of 201-500 employees. The company is currently Growth Stage.