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Mainframe Programming Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Deloitte

Automation Engineer

San Francisco, CA · Hybrid

Collaborate closely with Java developers, Mainframe engineers, product managers, and project leaders to align automation strategy with business and delivery priorities. * Document automation ...

Deloitte

Automation Engineer

Sacramento, CA · Hybrid

Collaborate closely with Java developers, Mainframe engineers, product managers, and project leaders to align automation strategy with business and delivery priorities. * Document automation ...

Deloitte

Automation Engineer

San Jose, CA · Hybrid

Collaborate closely with Java developers, Mainframe engineers, product managers, and project leaders to align automation strategy with business and delivery priorities. * Document automation ...

Deloitte

Automation Engineer

Costa Mesa, CA · Hybrid

Collaborate closely with Java developers, Mainframe engineers, product managers, and project leaders to align automation strategy with business and delivery priorities. * Document automation ...

Deloitte

Automation Engineer

Fresno, CA · Hybrid

Collaborate closely with Java developers, Mainframe engineers, product managers, and project leaders to align automation strategy with business and delivery priorities. * Document automation ...

Deloitte

Senior Automation Engineer

San Jose, CA · Hybrid

$121K - $160K/yr

Collaborate closely with Java developers, Mainframe engineers, product managers, and project leaders to align automation strategy with business and delivery priorities. * Document automation ...

Deloitte

Senior Automation Engineer

Sacramento, CA · Hybrid

$110K - $145K/yr

Collaborate closely with Java developers, Mainframe engineers, product managers, and project leaders to align automation strategy with business and delivery priorities. * Document automation ...

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All JobsMainframe Programming JobsMainframe Programming Jobs in California

Mainframe Programming information

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$9

$52

$71

How much do mainframe programming jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe programming in California is $52.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46.49 and $59.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can mainframe be replaced by AI?

Mainframe programming involves maintaining large-scale, reliable systems used in industries like finance and government. While AI can automate certain tasks such as code analysis and testing, it is unlikely to fully replace mainframe programmers due to the complexity, security, and specialized knowledge required for mainframe environments. Skilled mainframe developers are still in demand for system maintenance, optimization, and integration tasks.

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 environments may earn higher salaries. Compensation often includes benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.

Is mainframe still in demand?

Mainframe programming remains in demand in industries such as finance, insurance, and government, where large-scale, reliable transaction processing is essential. Many organizations continue to maintain and upgrade legacy mainframe systems, requiring skilled programmers familiar with languages like COBOL and tools such as JCL and CICS. This demand is expected to persist due to the high cost and complexity of migrating mainframe environments.

What are some typical challenges mainframe programmers face when integrating legacy systems with modern technologies?

Mainframe programmers often encounter challenges when integrating legacy systems with newer applications, such as differences in programming languages, data formats, and communication protocols. Ensuring data integrity and maintaining system performance during such integrations can be complex, especially since mainframes often run critical business operations. Collaboration with cross-functional teams, such as front-end developers and system architects, is essential to bridge technical gaps and ensure seamless interoperability. Staying updated with new tools and middleware solutions can also help address these integration challenges effectively.

What is mainframe programming?

Mainframe programming refers to the process of writing, maintaining, and troubleshooting software applications that run on mainframe computers, which are powerful systems used mainly by large organizations for critical operations. Mainframe programmers typically use languages like COBOL, JCL, and Assembler to develop software for batch processing, transaction management, and data processing. These roles require a deep understanding of mainframe operating systems, databases, and networking. Mainframes are known for their reliability, scalability, and ability to handle massive amounts of transactions, making mainframe programmers essential for industries like banking, insurance, and government.

What is the difference between Mainframe Programming vs Mainframe System Analyst?

AspectMainframe ProgrammingMainframe System Analyst
Primary RoleWriting, testing, and maintaining mainframe codeAnalyzing system requirements and designing solutions
Skills & CertificationsCOBOL, JCL, DB2, certifications in mainframe technologiesBusiness analysis, system design, and project management skills
Work EnvironmentData centers, mainframe servers, coding labsOffice settings, client meetings, project planning
Industry UsageFinancial institutions, government agencies, large enterprisesSame as mainframe programming, often collaborating closely

While mainframe programmers focus on coding and maintaining mainframe applications, mainframe system analysts analyze business needs and design system solutions. Both roles require knowledge of mainframe technologies, but their responsibilities differ in scope and focus.

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 other legacy programming languages, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with mainframe environments like IBM z/OS, experience with tools such as TSO/ISPF, and certifications like IBM Certified System Programmer are highly valued. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help programmers solve complex problems and collaborate with stakeholders. These abilities are crucial for maintaining critical business systems, ensuring reliability, and supporting legacy infrastructure in large organizations.

Does mainframe need coding?

Mainframe programming requires coding skills, typically in languages like COBOL, PL/I, or Assembler. Mainframe professionals often write, test, and maintain code to support business applications and data processing tasks.
What cities in California are hiring for Mainframe Programming jobs? Cities in California with the most Mainframe Programming job openings:
Mainframe Programming jobs near you
Mainframe Systems Programmer in Los Angeles

Mainframe Systems Programmer in Los Angeles

Genesis Global Recruiting Inc

Downey, CA

$56.75 - $72.25/hr

Other

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

We are seeking to hire an ADABAS/CICS/IMS Systems Programmer/DBA for an immediate start in our Downey, CA offices.  You must have a minimum of seven (7) years of experience as a Systems Programming/ DBA, with at least three (3) years of that experience in a lead role.

 Required IMS DB/DC CICS ADABAS NATURAL N2O TRIM NATSECURITY.

We only hire directly on a w2. No Sponsorhsip and No C2C.

As the  Mainframe Systems Programmer/DBA is responsible for leading and/or supporting the most complex database upgrade projects, modification, installation, testing, implementation, maintenance and enhancements of new or existing system software products.

This classification must plan, install, configure, test, implement and manage core database products, software products in support of the database architecture and business needs. Special organizational or functional industry position titles for Systems Programmer/DBA include, but are not limited to, DB2 Systems Programmer/DBA, IMS Systems Programmer/DBA and ADABAS/NATURAL Systems Programmer/DBA.

The Mainframe Systems Programmer/DBA for Legacy Systems manages different types of databases, such as hierarchical (IMS), relational (DB2), and file-based (ADABAS), and is responsible for planning and upgrading the database environments on a County-established basis; verifying the health of all the databases; database administration technical consulting for application and operations teams for the purpose of project planning/development; maintenance on production database systems; performance of technical reviews for existing systems that utilize one of the following database management systems (DBMS): ADABAS, DB2 or IMS; performance of evaluations for the purposes of selecting new or fine-tuning existing DBMS software; consultation with project development teams to provide recommendations on database design; development of logical and physical database designs; creation of overviews of logical database designs; creation of physical databases; database capacity planning; development and use of backup and recovery procedures for databases; database performance monitoring; database space monitoring; database reorganizations; database replication; database compression and database partitioning. The following technology skill sets are required to perform in this classification. IBM: Z/OS, IMS, DB2, ADABAS, SMP/E, JCL, IMS DB/DC, CICS, ACF2, ASSEMBLER/COBOL/REXX, IBM FILE MANAGER, DELTA/IMS, NATURAL/ SUPERNAT, ENTIREX, CA SPOOL, IMS & DB2 BMC Tools, N20/TRIM.

Required Skills:

Skills required IMS DB/DC CICS ADABAS NATURAL N2O TRIM NATSECURITY.

Education:

This classification requires the possession of a bachelor’s degree in an IT-related or engineering field.

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