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Mainframe Programmer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SonSoft

Mainframe Programmer

Florham Park, NJ · On-site

Mainframe Programmer Sonsoft, Inc. is a USA based corporation duly organized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Georgia. Sonsoft Inc. is growing at a steady pace specializing in the fields of ...

My3Tech Inc

Mainframe Programmer

Birmingham, AL · On-site

Mainframe App Programmer Location: Hybrid in one of these locations -Charlotte, Birmingham, Atlanta or Nashville Duration: 6-12 month contract Qualifications • Experience with mainframe ...

Sonsoft Inc

Mainframe Programmer

Florham Park, NJ

Reviews, analyzes, and modifies programming systems including encoding, testing, debugging and installing for a large-scale mainframe computer system. * May require a bachelor's degree and 6-8 years ...

Infojini Inc

Mainframe Programmer

Seneca, SC

Mainframe Programmer Duration: 12+ months Location: Seneca, SC Client: State of SC (7107-1) Daily Duties / Responsibilities: Work collaboratively with the medicaid services MMIS Team to make coding ...

Mindlance

Mainframe Programmer

Charlotte, NC · On-site

The platform is currently supported by only two mainframe engineers providing 24x7x365 production support, creating a material people, operational, and compliance risk. Any unplanned absence or ...

Sonsoft Inc

Mainframe Programmer

Florham Park, NJ

Reviews, analyzes, and modifies programming systems including encoding, testing, debugging and installing for a large-scale mainframe computer system. * May require a bachelor's degree and 6-8 years ...

Infojini Inc

Mainframe Programmer

Raleigh, NC

Mainframe Programmer Duration: 12+ months Location: Raleigh, NC The NC Department of Transportation (NCDOT) is seeking to fill a short term (approx. 12 month) contractor assignment. The selected ...

RIT Solutions

mainframe programmer/developer

Pennington, NJ · On-site

$49.50 - $63.50/hr

Mainframe Programmer/Developer Location: Pennington, NJ Onsite: 3 days a week Contract: 6-18 months Interview process: 1 video interview then one face to face interview (must face to face) Must have:

Mindlance

Mainframe Programmer

Brookfield, WI · On-site

Mainframe COBOL and DB2 development Coding, Unit Testing, Integration testing, and User acceptance ... AS/400 Programmer, VAX Programmer, Client Programmer. Performs all or part of full life cycle ...

E*Pro, Inc.

Mainframe Programmer with HOGAN

Plano, TX · On-site

Mainframe Programmer Location : Plano, TX Job Type : Permanent Full Time Work Status: US Citizen/ Green Card Holder/ EAD (GC) Description: Experience with Mainframe programming Experience with Hogan ...

KellyMitchell Group

Mainframe Programmer

Brookfield, WI · On-site

$40 - $54/hr

Job Summary Our client is seeking a Mainframe Programmer to join their team! This position is hybrid in Brookfield, WI; Minneapolis, MN; Dallas, TX; Charlotte, NC; St. Louis, MO This position is W-2 ...

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How much do mainframe programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe programmer in the United States is $54.11, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47.12 and $63.22 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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Mainframe Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mainframe Programmer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 14% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 83% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,558 per year, or $54.1 per hour.
Mainframe Programmer

Mainframe Programmer

SonSoft

Florham Park, NJ • On-site

Other

Retirement

Posted 21 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Reviews, analyzes, and modifies programming systems including encoding, testing, debugging, and installing for a large-scale mainframe computer system.

  • Maintains and develops on-line and batch application programs and develops and implements a disaster recovery plan.

  • Works with project members to develop specifications, diagrams, and flowcharts.

Job description

Mainframe Programmer

Sonsoft, Inc. is a USA based corporation duly organized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Georgia. Sonsoft Inc. is growing at a steady pace specializing in the fields of Software Development, Software Consultancy and Information Technology Enabled Services.

Job Description

Short Description:

  • Reviews, analyzes, and modifies programming systems including encoding, testing, debugging and installing for a large-scale mainframe computer system.
  • May require a bachelor's degree and 6-8 years of experience in the field or in a related area.

Complete Description:

  • Reviews, analyzes, and modifies programming systems including encoding, testing, debugging and installing for a large-scale mainframe computer system.
  • Maintains and develops on-line and batch application programs. Develops and implements a disaster recovery plan.
  • Works with project members to develop specifications, diagrams and flowcharts.
  • Requires a bachelor's degree in area of specialty and 6-8 years of experience in the field or in a related area.
  • Familiar with a variety of the field's concepts, practices, and procedures. Relies on extensive experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals.
  • Performs a variety of tasks. Leads and directs the work of others. A wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department.
Qualifications

Skills:

  • Cobol, DB2, VSAM, CICS – 8 years
  • CICS Web Services – 4 years
  • 401k or similar Financial processing – 5 years
  • OmniPlus (SunGard / FIS) experience – 5 years
Additional Information

Note:

  1. This is a Contract job opportunity.
  2. Only US Citizen, Green Card Holder, GC-EAD, H4-EAD, L2-EAD, TN Visa and H1B can apply.
  3. No OPT-EAD for this position.
  4. Please mention your email id in your email or resume.
Sonsoft logo

About Sonsoft

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Sonsoft , Inc. is a USA based corporation duly organized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Georgia. Sonsoft Inc. is growing at a steady pace specializing in the fields of Software Development, Software Consultancy and Information Technology Enabled Services.

Industry

It services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Alpharetta, GA, US

Year founded

2007

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