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Mainframe Programmer Jobs in Pittsburgh, PA (NOW HIRING)

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MAINFRAME NETWORK SYSTEMS PROGRAMMER

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$53.50 - $68/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 ...

E*Pro, Inc.

Hogan Mainframe Developer

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$47.50 - $61.25/hr

Looking for a Hogan Mainframe Developer at Pittsburgh, PA ( Fulltime/Permanent & Onsite), please suggest someone whom you know might will be looking for a change Fullrime/Permanent & Onsite ...

Broadcom

Senior Mainframe DevOps Architect

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$125K - $170K/yr

About the Role We are seeking a Senior Mainframe DevOps Architect to lead solution design and own end-to-end architecture for enterprise customers-translating complex business requirements into ...

Broadcom

Mainframe z/VM System programmer

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$108K - $172K/yr

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Mainframe z/VM System programmer to support and maintain our enterprise IBM Z mainframe infrastructure. This is a critical role in a complex, high ...

Tata Consultancy Service Limited

Engineer

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$100K - $110K/yr

Mainframe Developer Must Have Technical/Functional Skills: * Strong experience in COBOL and JCL. * Knowledge of mainframe utilities and tools (e.g., IDCAMS, SORT). * Experience with DB2, IMS, or VSAM ...

Accenture

Mainframe Specialist

Pittsburgh, PA

$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 ...

Accenture

Mainframe Specialist

Pittsburgh, PA · 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 ...

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All JobsMainframe Programmer JobsMainframe Programmer Jobs in Pittsburgh, PA

Mainframe Programmer information

See Pittsburgh, PA salary details

$37

$52

$64

How much do mainframe programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe programmer in Pittsburgh, PA is $52.53, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45.72 and $61.39 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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What are popular job titles related to Mainframe Programmer jobs in Pittsburgh, PA? For Mainframe Programmer jobs in Pittsburgh, PA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Mainframe Programmer jobs in Pittsburgh, PA look for? The top searched job categories for Mainframe Programmer jobs in Pittsburgh, PA are:
Mainframe Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mainframe Programmer job openings in Pittsburgh, PA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 9% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,270 per year, or $52.5 per hour.

Mainframe Programmer - Security

JS Consulting

Pittsburgh, PA • On-site

Contractor

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Job Title- Mainframe Programmer

Project Location – Onsite in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Duration- 6+ months contract

Skills must have: 15+ years of Mainframe Security experience

  • Serve as a subject matter expert on Mainframe Security Systems including ACF2, TSS, and RACF as a part of a vulnerability management projects.
  • zSecure Audit experience required (7-10 years)
  • Seeking an expert in Broadcom ACF2 and/or Top Secret (TSS)
  • z/OS ACF2 or TSS 10+ years 

Job Description

  • Resource provides day to day tactical execution of project. Including detailed analytics of various data points. Mainframe Security expert who will guide projects, asset modelling, and make project documentation entries as required.
  • Serve as a subject matter expert on Mainframe Security Systems including ACF2, TSS, and RACF as a part of a vulnerability management projects.
  • zSecure Audit experience required (7-10 years)
  • Leveraged z/OS ACF2/TSS/RACF STIG in hardening efforts.
  • Seeking an expert in Broadcom ACF2 and/or Top Secret (TSS)
  • Must know Mainframe REXX, IBM SYNC SORT, and ICETOOL
  • Direct interface with Client staff on training and day to day questions of our home-grown Vulnerability tool and other utility tools to manage vulnerabilities.
  • Determine security standards regarding z/OS hardening, security controls, and vulnerability remediation.
  • Communicate between mainframe engineering teams and information security teams.
  • z/OS security consulting / penetration testing background preferred
  • Good communication and documentation skills

Required Skills/Experience: 10+

Preferred Skills/ Experience:

1 zSecure Audit experience required (7-10 years)
 

1 z/OS ACF2 or TSS 10+ years 

2 Leveraged z/OS RACF STIG in hardening efforts.
 

2 Vulnerability Management (some exposure) 

3 z/OS security consulting / penetration testing background preferred

3 Good communicator and some exposure to JIRA, Confluence, and SharePoint

Education Requirement:  BS Degree and/or 15+ years of Mainframe Security experience

Education Preferred:  BS Degree and/or 15+ years of Mainframe Security experience

Software Skills Required (if applicable):  ACF2 or TSS Mainframe Security work, zSecure programming using CARLa code  

Required Testing (if applicable):  N/A