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Mainframe Programmer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Nastech Global

Mainframe Programmer

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

Mainframe Programmer Location: Minneapolis, MN/Denver, CO/Chicago, IL/SFO, CA/Dallas, TX/Atlanta, GA/Santa Clara, CA/Jersey City, NJ(Onsite) Job Type: Full Time Basic Qualifications: • 7+ years of ...

Samprasoft

COBOL Mainframe Programmer/Developer

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$47 - $60.50/hr

COBOL Mainframe Programmer/Developer Under general supervision, designs, codes, tests, modifies and debugs computer software. Analyzes, researches, and resolves problems. Develops program ...

campus4tech

COBOL Mainframe Programmer/Developer

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$47 - $60.50/hr

Job Title: COBOL Mainframe Programmer/Developer Job Type: Contract Duration: 6 Months Location: Atlanta, GA 30303 The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of the COBOL programming ...

Hireblazer

Senior Mainframe IMS Programmer

Austin, TX · Remote

Role: Senior Mainframe IMS/Application Programmer Location: Austin, TX (100% Remote) Duration: 5 Months Summary: The client services of one (1) Developer/Programmer Analyst, Level 3, hereafter ...

Campus4Tech

COBOL Mainframe Programmer/Developer

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$47 - $60.50/hr

Job Title: COBOL Mainframe Programmer/Developer Job Type: Contract Duration: 6 Months Location: Atlanta, GA 30303 The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of the COBOL programming ...

AceStack LLC

Mainframe Programmer

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

Mainframe Programmer Location: Atlanta, GA/ Charlotte, NC/ Dallas, TX/ Cincinnati, OH/ Minneapolis, MN/ Denver, CO (Onsite) Fulltime Design, code, test, debug, document, maintain, and modify computer ...

Artech

Mainframe Programmer

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$50 - $55/hr

Mainframe COBOL, DB2, and JCL with 5 years of experience. * Experience in coding, unit testing, integration testing, and user acceptance testing. * Understanding of JCL, job streams, and CA-7. * ...

Artech

Mainframe Programmer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$50 - $55/hr

Mainframe COBOL, DB2, and JCL with 5 years of experience. * Experience in coding, unit testing, integration testing, and user acceptance testing. * Understanding of JCL, job streams, and CA-7. * ...

vTech Solution

Mainframe Programmer

Harrisburg, PA · On-site

Mainframe Programmer vTech can help you avoid the daunting task of writing and posting job offers, shifting through resumes and laboring through the lengthy interview process. Our Staffing solutions ...

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Mainframe Programmer information

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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

Nastech Global

Minneapolis, MN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Mainframe Programmer
Location: Minneapolis, MN/Denver, CO/Chicago, IL/SFO, CA/Dallas, TX/Atlanta, GA/Santa Clara, CA/Jersey City, NJ(Onsite)
Job Type: Full Time
 
Basic Qualifications:
•                7+ years of experience with developing and implementing applications
•                10 to 15 years of experience in COBOL, JCL, DB2
 
Preferred Skills/Experience:
Cobol, JCL, DB2, CICS and VSAM development experience. Strong Endevor, FileManager, CA7, IDZ, GITLAB and TSO
Development skills, Tool experience.
•                Excellent debugging skills
•                Good understanding of third-party dependency management and transitive dependency issues
•                Strong knowledge on DB2 database
•                Understanding of the software development life cycle/Agile development experience
•                Experience with implementation and release management activities
•                Good understanding of unit/system and functional testing methodologies
•                Experience working in large transaction-based systems
•                Experience writing technical designs
•                Experience documenting technical functions
•                Strong Communication and good leadership skills
•                Have a strong ability and interest in working with a diverse range of technical and non-technical teams.
•                Strong proclivity to follow coding standards and execute a best practices approach in build processes.
•                Nice to have: MQ knowledge
 
Desired Skills:
•                Preferred Banking/credit cards domain knowledge
•                Quality leadership and mentoring skills
•                Ability to work under minimal supervision
•                Ability to foster strong collaboration among team members and multitask effectively
•                Ability to investigate and recommend best practices and process improvements
•                Detail oriented and able to debug complex errors.
•                Subject matter expert in: Programming, Implementation