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Mainframe Programmer Jobs in Toronto, ON (NOW HIRING)

Senior Mainframe Developer (COBOL, IMS, DB2) Location: Toronto, ON Work Arrangement: Hybrid (4 days WFO) Employment Type: Contract Duration: 12 months Domain: BFSI Pay Rate: CAD 55-60/hour ...

Role: Mainframe Developer Location: Toronto ON, Hybrid: 4 days in office Tech stack - IBM Mainframe - Deep IMS knowledge, , JCL, COBOL, SQL, DB2, Endever, File-AID, CA-7 Tools: INSYNC, Jira ...

... Scheduling Mainframe batch jobs through schedulers like CA7 and BMC Control-M. Experience on Soap UI Nice-to-have Experience on MQ| WAS| SPUFI| XPEDITER| REXXCLIST| DevOps| On Demand Server ...

Mainframe Developer

Toronto, ON · On-site

CA$55 - CA$57/hr

Mainframe Developer Location: Toronto, ON Work Arrangement: Hybrid, 4- days in office Employment Type: Contract Duration: 12 Months Domain: BFSI Pay Rate: CAD $55-57/hour Incorporated Application ...

Job Title: Sr. Mainframe Developer Location:Toronto, ON Work Arrangement: Hybrid (3-4 days WFO) Employment Type: Contract Duration: 06-12 Months Domain: BFSI Pay Rate: CAD 54-57/hour Incorporated ...

... mainframe development complex programs using Cobol, JCL, IMS DB, DB2, VSAM, CA7, SAS, Netron. Experience working in an agile environment / methodology / deployment (e.g. GIT, DevOps pipeline, JIRA ...

As a Mainframe Developer, you'll lead the planning, technical design, and development of complex, enterprise-scale applications. You'll assemble, implement, and maintain flexible solutions that ...

As a Mainframe Developer, you'll lead the planning, technical design, and development of complex, enterprise-scale applications. You'll assemble, implement, and maintain flexible solutions that ...

Mississauga, ON Associate should be a strong in Mainframe development Associate should have ... engineering, all fueled by its market leading capabilities in AI, generative AI, cloud and data ...

Mainframe Developer

Mississauga, ON · On-site

CA$94K - CA$141K/yr

The Mainframe Developer is responsible for participation in the establishment and implementation of new or revised application systems and programs in coordination with the Technology team. The ...

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Mainframe Programmer information

What does a mainframe programmer do?

A mainframe programmer writes, tests, and maintains software for large-scale mainframe computers, often using languages like COBOL, PL/I, or Assembler. They work on critical business applications, ensure system stability, and may troubleshoot hardware or software issues in a mainframe environment.

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 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 mainframe environments, programming languages, and tools like COBOL and JCL. While AI can assist with automation and code analysis, it is unlikely to fully replace mainframe programmers in managing, maintaining, and developing critical enterprise systems in the near term.

How much do mainframe programmers make?

Mainframe programmers typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and certifications. Senior roles or those with specialized skills in COBOL, JCL, or mainframe security can command higher salaries. Compensation may also include benefits such as bonuses and retirement plans.

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 is the salary of a mainframe developer?

The salary of 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 security may earn higher salaries. Compensation often includes benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.

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 most commonly searched types of Mainframe Programmer jobs in Toronto, ON? The most popular types of Mainframe Programmer jobs in Toronto, ON are:
What job categories do people searching Mainframe Programmer jobs in Toronto, ON look for? The top searched job categories for Mainframe Programmer jobs in Toronto, ON are:
Infographic showing various Mainframe Programmer job openings in Toronto, ON as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.
Mainframe Developer

Mainframe Developer

Pacer Group

Toronto, ON • On-site

Other

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Key responsibilities

  • Independently analyze IMS Segments and create detailed design.

  • Lead junior developer in the team.

  • Develop, unit test, and deploy code.


Job description

Job Title: Senior Mainframe Developer (COBOL, IMS, DB2)

Location: Toronto, ON

Work Arrangement: Hybrid (4 days WFO)

Employment Type: Contract

Duration: 12 months

Domain: BFSI

Pay Rate: CAD 55-60/hour Incorporated

Application Deadline: June 30th, 2026


SKILLS REQUIRED

7+ years as Mainframe Developer - Deep IMS knowledge , DB2 , JCL, COBOL, SQL, DB2, , Endevor, File-AID, CA-7

Exp. with tools like INSYNC, Jira, confluence, Service Now

Should be AI aware / GitHub Copilot/ VSCode

Should be able to independently analyze IMS Segments, create detailed design, lead junior developer, participate end to end field mapping, develop/ unit test and deploy code


DISCLAIMER

AI Usage Policy: Pacer Group uses AI to assist in screening applications. Final hiring decisions are made by human recruiters based on qualifications and experience.