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Mainframe System Programmer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Ensono

Mainframe Security Engineer

Downers Grove, IL · On-site

Employee The primary role of the Mainframe System Security Engineer is to create, modify and maintain security access on internal and external userids and security rules access for mainframe systems.

Collabera

System Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$68 - $75/hr

Mainframe Programming Analyst Contract: 3 months Location: Chicago, IL - 60606 Pay Range: $68/hr - $75/hr Job overview and responsibilities: DB2 Systems professional responsible for DB2 for z/OS and ...

Broadcom

Mainframe Software Development Engineer

Lisle, IL · On-site

$48.25 - $62.25/hr

Preferred : • Expertise on Mainframe extensible frameworks such as ZOWE and dealing with pass ... control systems experience (Endevor) Company : Broadcom is a designer, developer, and global ...

Atria Group LLC

Mainframe/Cobol developer

Bloomington, IL

$47 - $60.50/hr

... engineering, systems development, testing, integration, and implementation, and management ... Mainframe/Cobol developer * Resource needed with industry knowledge/experience of IBM's Rational ...

Broadcom

Mainframe Software Development Engineer

Lisle, IL

$48.25 - $62.25/hr

Has mastered the basics of operating as a developer in the IBM mainframe environment * Mainframe ... Source control systems experience (Endevor) Compensation and Benefits The annual base salary range ...

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All JobsMainframe System Programmer JobsMainframe System Programmer Jobs in Illinois

Mainframe System Programmer information

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$9

$56

$75

How much do mainframe system programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe system programmer in Illinois is $56.37, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51.25 and $65.24 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Mainframe System Programmer, you need deep knowledge of mainframe operating systems (such as z/OS), programming languages like COBOL or Assembler, and a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with mainframe tools (e.g., IBM ISPF, JCL, SMP/E) and certifications such as IBM Certified System Programmer are typically required. Analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for diagnosing issues and collaborating with IT teams. These skills are vital to ensure the stability, security, and efficiency of critical enterprise computing environments.

What are some common challenges Mainframe System Programmers face when supporting legacy systems?

Mainframe System Programmers often encounter challenges such as integrating modern applications with legacy mainframe environments, ensuring system security while maintaining uptime, and troubleshooting complex issues that span both old and new technologies. They may also face difficulties due to limited documentation or retiring expertise as experienced colleagues leave the workforce. Staying current with evolving mainframe tools and best practices helps address these challenges and keeps systems running smoothly.

What is the difference between Mainframe System Programmer vs Mainframe Application Developer?

AspectMainframe System ProgrammerMainframe Application Developer
Required CredentialsCertifications in mainframe systems, such as IBM Certified System ProgrammerProgramming certifications, often in COBOL, Java, or other languages
Work EnvironmentOperate primarily on mainframe hardware, focus on system setup and maintenanceDevelop and modify applications running on mainframes
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by organizations with large-scale legacy systems, banking, insuranceDevelops business applications for mainframe environments in similar industries

While both roles work within mainframe environments, Mainframe System Programmers focus on system setup, maintenance, and optimization, whereas Mainframe Application Developers concentrate on creating and updating applications that run on mainframes. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

What are mainframe system programmers?

Mainframe system programmers are IT professionals who specialize in installing, configuring, maintaining, and optimizing mainframe computer systems. They are responsible for the underlying software infrastructure, such as operating systems (like IBM z/OS), network configurations, and middleware. Their work ensures that mainframe environments run efficiently, securely, and with minimal downtime, supporting critical applications for large organizations. System programmers also troubleshoot complex issues and implement updates or enhancements as needed.
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Mainframe System Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mainframe System Programmer job openings in Illinois as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 16% Locum Tenens, 74% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 6% Contract, and 2% Summer. Highlights an 83% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,258 per year, or $56.4 per hour.
Mainframe System Administrator (NOMAD)

Mainframe System Administrator (NOMAD)

Zion Cloud Solutions

Springfield, IL • On-site

Other

Posted 7 days ago

New

Job description

Title: Mainframe System Administrator (NOMAD)
Duration: Contract
Type: Hybrid/Remote
Location: Springfield, IL/ Remote
Job Summary
The objective of this engagement is to ensure sustained functionality, compliance, and enhancement of key critical NOMAD applications supporting the State Department. These applications Human Resources (HRI), Time Keeping System (TKS), Human Resources Datamart (HRD) require dedicated resources for ongoing technological development, maintenance, and support as well as collaboration for a potential upgrade to a new software version.
State is scheduled for inclusion in the statewide ERP system for payroll and timekeeping NLT 2031 in alignment with the State enterprise implementation. In preparation for this complex move and decommissioning of critical applications, numerous requirements must be met to sustain operations and plan accordingly.
This effort will include comprehensive knowledge transfer to State IT personnel, technical inventory, dependency mapping, architecture strategy, and implementation support, all aligned with evolving requirements, mandates, administrative rule changes, and business process improvements.
Responsibilities:
Acquire knowledge on the assigned NOMAD applications. This includes but is not limited to
user interfaces, source code, interfaces
business rules
database
Reports
open requirements
Independently work on enhancements, ongoing maintenance and support requirements
Participating in ERP migration discussions
Provide the data extracts and meet modernization project needs
Troubleshoot the issues in the assigned applications and resolve them
Perform other duties, as assigned, related to the scope described above
Mainframe System Administrator (NOMAD) Deliverables:
Knowledge acquisition artifacts
Reports
Working solutions for assigned requests (includes development requests, service requests and incidents)
Data extracts
Data extracts for supporting Modernization requirements
Required Skills:
Must have a bachelor s degree in computer science, Management Information Systems or related fields such as Accounting or Mathematics, or the knowledge, skill and workplace experience equivalent to four (4) years of college and coursework in the afore-mentioned subjects.
Must possess excellent verbal and written communications skills in the English language; Effectively acquires and maintains professional rapport and mutual respect with management, stakeholders, and team members.
Must have at least 3 years of recent work experience in NOMAD-based applications.
Must have at least 3 years of recent work experience in programming NOMAD language.
Must have at least 3 years of recent work experience in NOMAD databases.
Must have at least 3 years of recent work experience in NOMAD windows and Screens on-line environments.
Must have at least 3 years of recent work experience in time series arrays and date/time functions within NOMAD environments.
Must have at least 3 years of recent work experience in NOMAD reporting.
Must have at least 2 years of recent work experience in NOMAD in an IBM VM environment.
Must have at least 1 year of recent work experience in knowledge and experience with File Transfer Protocol.

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