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Mainframe Programmer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

MM International

Adabas mainframe

Atlanta, GA · Remote

$50.25 - $64.50/hr

Adabas mainframe Looking for a ADABAS DBA/ Developer/ ADABAS production support/ Mainframe Developer/ Mainframe Programmer background Location: 100% REMOTE | WEEKEND WORK Responsibilities include:

Ask IT consulting

Z/OS Mainframe Programmer

Columbia, SC

$51 - $64.75/hr

... MAINFRAME INFRASTRUCTURE TO PROVIDE HIGH QUALITY CUSTOMER SERVICE AND MEET SLA EXPECTATIONS ... CATALOG MAINTENANCE II. PROGRAMMING SKILLS: a. SYSTEM EXIT DEVELOPMENT AND SUPPORT b. UTILITY AND ...

Vytwo

Mainframe Developer

Prosper, TX · Hybrid

$50/hr

Mainframe Developer Location : Malvern, PA - Hybrid Responsibilities: * A Mainframe Developer required in developing and maintaining applications on mainframe systems, typically using languages like ...

STAFFXPERT LLC

Mainframe Developer

Wilmington, DE

$47.50 - $61/hr

Mainframe Developer Location: Wilmington, Delaware (Onsite) Job Type: Contract 6 months Responsibilities: Primary Skill: VSAM, COBOL, DevOps STAFFXPERT is looking for a Mainframe Developer with ...

Qualis1 Inc

Mainframe Developer

Omaha, NE · On-site

$46.75 - $60.25/hr

Role: Mainframe Developer Location of work: Omaha, NE , Onsite Duration: 6+ months Description Need Mainframe Developer

Purple Drive Technologies

Mainframe Developer

Omaha, NE · On-site

$46.75 - $60.25/hr

Mainframe Developer Location: Onsite - Omaha, NE / Remote Experience Required: 10+ Years Employment Type: Contract Role Overview We are seeking a highly experienced Mainframe Developer to support ...

Deegit Inc

Mainframe Programmer Analyst

Atlanta, GA · On-site

Company Description Not just looking for a Cobol developer. need someone that can tak initiative. This role will be key in helping the interfaces team be successful. Looking for sharp, quick, and ...

Kanak Elite Services Inc

Mainframe Developer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$50.50 - $65/hr

MAINFRAME DEVELOPER Location: Chicago, IL (Full Onsite, Open to Relocating Candidates) Visa: Any visa except H1B We're looking for a Mainframe Developer to join our team! If you're experienced with ...

ClifyX

Mainframe Developer

Johnston, RI · On-site

$49.25 - $63.25/hr

ClifyX is seeking a Mainframe Developer with strong expertise in Mainframe and data masking. The role involves analyzing existing COBOL and JCL jobs, understanding VSAM and QSAM files, and ...

NAVA Software Solutions

Mainframe Engineer

Somerset, NJ · On-site

$49.25 - $63.25/hr

NAVA Software solutions is looking for a Mainframe Engineer Details: Mainframe Engineer Location: Somerset, NJ - Remote to start Duration: 6 months CTH What You Will Do: * Legacy application ...

NAVA Software Solutions

Mainframe Developer

Morristown, NJ · On-site

$50.50 - $64.75/hr

Role: Sr. Mainframe Engineer Location: Morris Plains, NJ , Memphis TN, Somerset NJ, Austin TX, St. Louis MO, Morristown NJ Remote to start - Hybrid from Nov onwards Duration: 6-12 months What You ...

Purple Drive Technologies

Mainframe Developer

Columbus, OH · On-site

$47.25 - $60.75/hr

Job Title Mainframe Developer - DB2 & CICS Location Columbus, OH Experience 6-8 Years Job Overview We are seeking an experienced Mainframe Developer with strong expertise in DB2 application ...

Saige Partners

Mainframe Developer

Davenport, IA

$46.50 - $59.75/hr

Our Davenport, IA client has an immediate opening for a talented Mainframe Developer. If you are interested, please send your resume to Dani at dedgington@saigepartners.com As our client continues to ...

SmallArc, Inc

Mainframe Developer

Westlake, TX

$47 - $60.50/hr

Experience : 6 to 9 Years in Mainframe Mainframe Developer to work in Westlake, TX! The Role This position is for a mainframe developer / support engineer within the Transfer of Assets(TOA) team ...

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How much do mainframe programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 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 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.

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.

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Mainframe Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mainframe Programmer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 9% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,558 per year, or $54.1 per hour.