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Mainframe Software Developer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Trinus

IT Production Support Assistant

Downey, CA · On-site

$16.75 - $21.50/hr

... by application developers; sometimes works in a paired programming environment for knowledge ... Two (2) years of experience in the last five (5) years working with mainframe software Endevor to ...

PTR Global

Python Developer

San Francisco, CA

$59.25 - $81.50/hr

THIS WAS CREATED BY AI, REVIEW BEFORE POSTING Senior Software Engineer - Python / PySpark (Mainframe Modernization) Location: San Francisco, CA Duration: 12 months Job ID: 176553 Team Objective * The ...

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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.

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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.

Senior Application Programmer - Mainframe Systems

TPI Global Solutions

Downey, CA

Other

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Title: Senior Application Programmer – Mainframe Systems Location: Onsite Role in Downey, CA Duration: 12 months contract with high possibility of extension Additional Information Assignment requires onsite work 5 days (M-F) per week initially for at least 6 months. Gradual allowance of up to 2 days telework depending on current project requirements. At least 7 years’ experience in ADABAS/NATURAL programming is mandatory.

Position Description Responsible for leading and/or working on the most complex IT applications design, documentation, development, modification, testing, installation, implementation, and support of new or existing applications software. Analyze and refine systems requirements. Translate systems requirements into applications prototypes.

Plan and design systems architecture. Write, debug, and maintain code. Determine and design applications architecture.

Determine output media/formats. Design user interfaces. Work with customers to test applications.

Assure software and systems quality and functionality. Integrate hardware and software components. Write and maintain program documentation.

Evaluate new applications software technologies. Ensure the rigorous application of information security/information assurance policies, principles, and practices to the delivery of application software services. Skills Required Knowledge and experience in applications software development principles and methods sufficient to participate in the design, development, testing, and implementation of new or modified applications software.

Knowledge of organization’s operational environment. Knowledge of software design principles, methods, and approaches. Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for designing, developing, optimizing, and integrating new and/or reusable systems components.

Knowledge of pertinent government regulations. Knowledge of infrastructure requirements and database management principles and methodologies, including: Data structures Data modeling Data warehousing Transaction processing Knowledge of functionality and operability of the current operating environment. Knowledge of systems engineering concepts and factors such as: Structured design Supportability Reliability Scalability Maintainability Knowledge of optimization concepts and methods.

Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work. Ability to speak and write effectively and prepare effective reports. Additional Skills Required Must have a strong background in ADABAS/NATURAL, JCL, TSO/ISPF, Predict, and N2O.

Experience Required Minimum seven (7) years of experience in electronic data processing systems design and programming with one or more of the following: Languages: COBOL, Natural/ SuperNatural, IMS/DB/DC, DB2/SQL, Assembler, SAS, CICS; MF FOCUS. Tools/Utilities: MVS JCL, MVS TSO/ISPF, IBM OPTIM, FILE MANAGER, SPUFI, ICEMAN/ICETOOLS, SORT, VSAM, CLIST, FTP, DYL260/280, CA GEN (COOLGEN), CA ENDEVOR, CA SPOOL, CA OM WEB VIEWER, IBM WEBSPHERE, DEBUGGER, N2O. Databases: DB2, IMS, ADABAS, FOCUS; OS: z/OS Other: EntireX, ASP, HTML, Cloverleaf.

Additional Experience Required Minimum seven (7) years of demonstrated experience in ADABAS/NATURAL programming within a mainframe environment. Required Proficiency Language: Natural Database: ADABAS Tools and Utilities: JCL, TSO/ISPF, Predict, N2O, CA Spool Operating System: z/OS Additional Technologies: EntireX, Supernatural, Cloverleaf Education Required Bachelor’s degree in an IT-related or Computer Science field. Additional qualifying experience may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis.

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