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Mainframe Programming Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Mainframe DB2 Developer

Columbus, OH · On-site

$47.25 - $60.75/hr

Mainframe DB2 Developer Location: Columbus, OH (100% Onsite from Day 1) Experience: 10+ Years Roles & Responsibilities: * Design, develop, enhance, and maintain mainframe applications using COBOL ...

Mainframe Developer Duration - 18 months Location - Columbus, OH Need GC and USC Top Three Skills ... Competent to work at the highest technical level of all phases of applications programming ...

Mainframe Systems Engineer III

Cambridge, OH

$153K - $181K/yr

The Mainframe Systems Engineer III candidate must have experience in one or more of the following disciplines: z/OS installation and customization, storage management, hardware configuration ...

Mainframe Systems Engineer III

Columbus, OH

$162K - $192K/yr

The Mainframe Systems Engineer III candidate must have experience in one or more of the following disciplines: z/OS installation and customization, storage management, hardware configuration ...

The Mainframe Systems Engineer III candidate must have experience in one or more of the following disciplines: z/OS installation and customization, storage management, hardware configuration ...

$158K - $188K/yr

The Mainframe Systems Engineer III candidate must have experience in one or more of the following disciplines: z/OS installation and customization, storage management, hardware configuration ...

Mainframe Systems Engineer III

Fairlawn, OH

$165K - $196K/yr

The Mainframe Systems Engineer III candidate must have experience in one or more of the following disciplines: z/OS installation and customization, storage management, hardware configuration ...

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Mainframe Programming information

See Ohio salary details

$9

$50

$68

How much do mainframe programming jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 19, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe programming in Ohio is $50.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44.81 and $57.60 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.
Infographic showing various Mainframe Programming job openings in Ohio as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 45% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 45% Contract. Highlights an 80% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,552 per year, or $50.7 per hour.
Sr Mainframe Systems Programmer

Sr Mainframe Systems Programmer

American Greetings Corporation

Westlake, OH • On-site

$51 - $64.75/hr

Other

Posted 22 days ago


American Greetings rating

5.3

Company rating: 5.3 out of 10

Based on 66 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

514th of 518 rated manufacturers


Job description

As this is a hybrid role based out of our Creative Studios in Westlake, Ohio, we will focus on candidates who currently reside in Northeast Ohio.
The Sr. Mainframe Systems programmer is responsible for the overall engineering, operations, and planning of the mainframe, IBM z/OS operating system software and all other IBM and third-party software.


**This is not an application development role, it is a deep technical infrastructure position focused on the performance, stability, and configuration of the mainframe environment. **
The individual will be responsible for providing technical expertise and guidance to the applications support team, the scheduling team, and to data center operations. This individual will work closely with IT leadership to develop long-term strategies to optimize the effective use of the mainframe platform.


As the primary technical mainframe specialist, the individual will also be responsible for mainframe storage, tape library management and disaster recovery to ensure that all business-critical applications can be recovered in the event of data loss or system outages.
The individual will also be responsible for providing senior technical expertise and direction to third-party consultants including application developers and technical resources. The individual in this role will help to plan and oversee mainframe technical project execution, server engineering skills, and technical resource deployment to ensure quality outcomes.


ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Function as the subject matter expert for the mainframe platform to provide technical expertise and support to infrastructure, applications and third-party teams.
Lead the planning, installation, configuration, customization, and testing of IBM z/OS and all third-party mainframe software packages such as TopSecret, CA-1, CA-Disk, BMC AMI Storage, Endevor, MIM, VPS, and various associated products.
Perform CICS administration.
JobTrac application administration.
Drive capacity planning and resource optimization for the mainframe, storage and tape management systems.
Ability to evaluate specifications and features of new products, performing cost comparisons, feasibility and cost benefit analysis, performance, compatibility and testing to make recommendations.
Mentor less experienced Mainframe System Administrators including assigning work, reviewing work for adherence to standards, and providing technical guidance.
Assist with the overall disaster recovery planning and annual testing for the mainframe and storage replication services.
Identify and plan for the use of new technologies and capabilities including Linux and cloud-ready capabilities to improve optimized use of the mainframe platform.
Perform performance data collection, analysis, and the tuning of the z/OS operating system and associated applications.
Develop standards and procedures that support current and future operational needs with a focus on continuous improvement and automation on the mainframe environment.
Work closely with the corporate IT leadership to develop and implement new technology and solutions.
Assist with the planning and delivery of all major software upgrades, system maintenance activities, technical patching and hardware refresh initiatives for the mainframe environment.
Manage and drive IT service delivery and management disciplines with the mainframe and data center operations teams including incident, change and problem management.
Review technical requirements and solutions to ensure that mainframe security requirements are addressed and are in line with corporate standards.
Provide engineering and support of the enterprise scheduling packages including the training and development of process documentation for the scheduling and data center operations teams.
Assist the client security team with the provision of system and application access to mainframe hosted applications.
Work closely with manufacturing and distribution locations to install, configure and support printer hardware and software administration.


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About American Greetings

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

As a leader in meaningful connections, American Greeting Corporation is a creator and manufacturer of creative social expression products. Please check out our website at www.workatag.com. We look forward to welcoming you to our team! American Greetings -- we make the world a more thoughtful and caring place

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Cleveland, OH, US

Year founded

1906