ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Mainframe Software Developer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

LinQ Global Group.

Mainframe Developer

Sacramento, CA

$53.25 - $68.50/hr

Mainframe Senior Application Developer Mandatory Qualifications (MQ) * A minimum of five (5) years of experience in electronic data processing systems study, design, and programming. * A minimum of ...

Calance US

Mainframe Developer

Torrance, CA

$66.65/hr

We are hiring Mainframe Developer for a Contract position in Torrance, CA CALL US NOW for immediate consideration! Click Apply on Web or Apply Now to view our recruiter s contact info and reach out ...

Xpertiz Inc

Mainframe developer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$53.25 - $68.50/hr

Job Title : Mainframe Developer Location : Sacramento, CA, USA (Locals Preferred) Job Type : Hybrid Visa Type: Citizen-EAD/-EAD Duration: 12+ Months Job Summary We are seeking an experienced ...

Fint Solutions Inc

Mainframe Developer

Downey, CA

$50.75 - $65/hr

* The Mainframe Systems Programmer/DBA for Legacy Systems manages different types of databases, such ... tuning existing DBMS software; consultation with project development teams to provide ...

Broadcom

R&D Software Engineer

San Jose, CA

$91K - $146K/yr

Broadcom's Mainframe Software Division (MSD) is looking for a talented and motivated Software Engineer with a passion for building high quality applications using agile practices to join our ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsMainframe Software Developer JobsMainframe Software Developer Jobs in California

Mainframe Software Developer information

See California salary details

$9

$52

$71

How much do mainframe software developer jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe software developer 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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Mainframe Software Developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Mainframe Software Developer, you need expertise in COBOL, JCL, mainframe operating systems (such as z/OS), and a background in computer science or related fields. Familiarity with mainframe tools like IBM CICS, DB2, and version control systems, along with certifications such as IBM Certified System Programmer, is highly valued. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication set standout professionals apart in this field. These skills ensure the maintenance of critical legacy systems, support for business operations, and seamless integration with modern technologies.

How does a Mainframe Software Developer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams in a modern IT environment?

Mainframe Software Developers frequently work with cross-functional teams that include business analysts, system architects, QA testers, and DevOps engineers. Collaboration often involves participating in daily stand-ups, code reviews, and joint problem-solving sessions to ensure seamless integration of mainframe applications with newer technologies. Developers also play a key role in translating business requirements into robust mainframe solutions, and may be involved in mentoring junior developers or coordinating with offshore teams. This collaborative environment helps ensure that legacy systems remain aligned with evolving business needs and IT strategies.

What is a Mainframe Software Developer?

A Mainframe Software Developer is an IT professional who designs, develops, tests, and maintains software applications that run on mainframe computers. These developers typically work with programming languages such as COBOL, JCL, and Assembler, and are responsible for ensuring the performance and reliability of critical business systems used by large organizations. Mainframe Software Developers often collaborate with business analysts, project managers, and other IT staff to support and enhance legacy systems, as well as to integrate new technologies with existing mainframe infrastructure.

Are mainframe programmers still in demand?

Mainframe software developers are still in demand in industries such as finance, healthcare, and government that rely on legacy systems. These roles often require skills in COBOL, JCL, and mainframe environments, and demand persists due to the complexity and cost of migrating legacy systems. However, the overall demand is gradually declining as organizations modernize their IT infrastructure.

What is the difference between Mainframe Software Developer vs Mainframe Systems Analyst?

AspectMainframe Software DeveloperMainframe Systems Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science or related field, certifications like IBM Certified SpecialistBachelor's in IT, Computer Science, or related, often with certifications in mainframe systems
Work EnvironmentDevelops and codes mainframe applications, often in COBOL, PL/I, or AssemblerAnalyzes system requirements, designs solutions, and coordinates between users and developers
Employer & Industry UsageFinancial institutions, government agencies, large corporations using mainframe systemsSame industries, focusing on system analysis, requirements gathering, and process improvements

While Mainframe Software Developers focus on coding and building mainframe applications, Mainframe Systems Analysts analyze existing systems and gather requirements to improve or implement new solutions. Both roles are essential in mainframe environments and often collaborate closely.

What are popular job titles related to Mainframe Software Developer jobs in California? For Mainframe Software Developer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Mainframe Software Developer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Mainframe Software Developer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Mainframe Software Developer jobs? Cities in California with the most Mainframe Software Developer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Mainframe Software Developer jobs in CA? For Mainframe Software Developer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Mainframe Software Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mainframe Software Developer job openings in California as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 22% Full Time, 38% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 38% Contract. Highlights an 15% Physical, and 85% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,572 per year, or $52.7 per hour.

Mainframe Developer

LinQ Global Group.

Sacramento, CA

$53.25 - $68.50/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Mainframe Senior Application Developer

Mandatory Qualifications (MQ)

  • A minimum of five (5) years of experience in electronic data processing systems study, design, and programming.
  • A minimum of five (5) years of experience providing COBOL/DB2/CICS/JCL programming services.
  • A minimum of five (5) years of experience integrating mainframe applications with distributed or cloud platforms (e.g., APIs, ETL tools, messaging solutions such as IBM MQ, or data platforms such as Snowflake), including designing or modifying mainframe components to support cross-platform data exchange.
  • Possession of a bachelor’s degree in an IT-related or Engineering field. Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

Desirable Qualifications (DQ)

  • Eight (8) or more years of experience in electronic data processing systems study, design, and programming.
  • Eight (8) or more years of experience providing COBOL/DB2/CICS/JCL programming services.
  • Eight (8) years of experience integrating mainframe applications with distributed or cloud platforms (e.g., APIs, ETL tools, messaging solutions such as IBM MQ, or data platforms such as Snowflake), including designing or modifying mainframe components to support cross-platform data exchange.
  • Possession of a master’s degree in an IT-related or Engineering field.

Apply