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Mainframe Programming Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

KaashTech LLC

Mainframe Developer

Chicago, IL

$50.50 - $65/hr

Strong diagnostic and problem-solving skills in complex mainframe environments. * Excellent written and verbal communication skills for cross-team collaboration.

Northern Trust

Mainframe Senior Developer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$50.50 - $65/hr

... COBOL, PL/1 programming, and CICS. Responsibilities : • Communicate status to, and work in ... Required : • 15+ years of experience required in IBM mainframe experience • JCL • DB2 • ...

Atria Group LLC

Mainframe/Cobol developer

Bloomington, IL · On-site

$47 - $60.50/hr

Our company provides application analysis, design, development and programming, software ... Mainframe/Cobol developer * Resource needed with industry knowledge/experience of IBM's Rational ...

Northern Trust

Mainframe Senior Developer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$50.50 - $65/hr

They are seeking a Mainframe Senior Developer responsible for installing, maintaining, and ... Assembler Programming/De-bugging skill. • Cobol Programming Language • PL/1 Programming ...

Northern Trust

Mainframe Senior Developer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$99K - $169K/yr

AND Principal Responsibilities The Mainframe Senior Developer is responsible for installing ... programming, JCL, and Strong Assembly level Programming skills along with CICS expertise. The ...

Northern Trust

Mainframe Senior Developer

Chicago, IL

$99K - $169K/yr

AND Principal Responsibilities The Mainframe Senior Developer is responsible for installing ... programming, JCL, and Strong Assembly level Programming skills along with CICS expertise. The ...

Broadcom

Mainframe Software Development Engineer

Lisle, IL · On-site

$48.25 - $62.25/hr

... mainframe software development. The role involves planning, designing, developing, and testing ... programming languages • Strong understanding of security protocols and Security ESMs • z/OS ...

Broadcom

Mainframe Software Development Engineer

Lisle, IL · On-site

$48.25 - $62.25/hr

This role involves development on existing mainframe-based products, working with product ... programming languages • Strong understanding of security protocols and Security ESMs • z/OS ...

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Mainframe Programming information

See Illinois salary details

$9

$51

$70

How much do mainframe programming jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe programming in Illinois is $51.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45.67 and $58.70 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.
Mainframe Programming jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mainframe Programming job openings in Illinois as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $107,587 per year, or $51.7 per hour.

Mainframe Developer

KaashTech LLC

Chicago, IL

$50.50 - $65/hr

Other

Posted 26 days ago

Job description

We are seeking experienced technical professionals to provide development, production support, and deep diagnostic expertise for a large, mission-critical legacy commercial loan accounting platform. This highly customized system is based on Level 3 from AFS, built in COBOL and operating through a 3270 interface, with extensive online transaction processing via CICS and a complex VSAM master file architecture.

Required Skills & Qualifications

  • Strong expertise in COBOL, JCL, CICS, VSAM, DB2.
  • Experience with CA7 scheduling and large-scale batch environments.
  • Hands-on knowledge of CICS Web Services (CWSDirect) and MQ messaging.
  • Proven ability to support and troubleshoot mission-critical financial applications.
  • Strong diagnostic and problem-solving skills in complex mainframe environments.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills for cross-team collaboration.

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