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Mainframe System Programmer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

MDAEdge

Mainframe DB2 Administrator

Plano, TX · On-site

... system programmers and administrators. • Provide expert-level technical guidance on z/OS systems, Mainframe storage, networking, security, and automation. • Drive best practices in Mainframe ...

Intraedge

Mainframe Security Engineer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

... zOS (Mainframe) system programmer Qualifications · 5+ years of experience in IBM z/OS mainframe environments · Strong hands-on experience with RACF administration (or ACF2 / Top Secret) · ...

Broadcom

Mainframe z/VM System programmer

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$108K - $172K/yr

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Mainframe z/VM System programmer to support and maintain our enterprise IBM Z mainframe infrastructure. This is a critical role in a complex, high ...

Synapse Tech Services Inc

Mainframe Assembler

Wilmington, DE · On-site

$47.50 - $61/hr

IBM Assembler (HLASM) Programming * IBM z/OS * Mainframe Application Development * SDLC * Debugging & Troubleshooting * Mainframe Performance Tuning * Technical Documentation * Mainframe System ...

Broadcom, Inc.

Mainframe z/VM System programmer

Plano, TX · On-site

$108K - $172K/yr

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Mainframe z/VM System programmer to support and maintain our enterprise IBM Z mainframe infrastructure. This is a critical role in a complex, high ...

MDAEdge

Mainframe DB2 Administrator

Fort Worth, TX · On-site

... system programmers and administrators. • Provide expert-level technical guidance on z/OS systems, Mainframe storage, networking, security, and automation. • Drive best practices in Mainframe ...

Saige Partners

Mainframe Developer

Davenport, IA · On-site

$46.50 - $59.75/hr

As our client continues to integrate their Mainframe system into our infrastructure, they require a skilled Mainframe Developer to assist in the analysis and translation of existing legacy COBOL, JCL ...

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How much do mainframe system programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe system programmer in the United States is $58.18, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52.88 and $67.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a mainframe system programmer?

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 is a mainframe system programmer?

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 the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $121,006 per year, or $58.2 per hour.

Mainframe Systems Programmer/DBA

West Advanced Technologies (WATI)

Downey, CA • On-site

$56.75 - $72.25/hr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

ADABAS/IMS/CICS Systems programmer/DBA
California
12 months
Hybrid
Skills Required:
The Mainframe Systems Programmer/DBA for Legacy Systems manages different types of databases, such as hierarchical (IMS), relational (DB2), and file-based (ADABAS), and is responsible for planning and upgrading the database environments on a County-established basis; verifying the health of all the databases; database administration technical consulting for application and operations teams for the purpose of project planning/development; maintenance on production database systems; performance of technical reviews for existing systems that utilize one of the following database management systems (DBMS): ADABAS, DB2 or IMS; performance of evaluations for the purposes of selecting new or fine-tuning existing DBMS software; consultation with project development teams to provide recommendations on database design; development of logical and physical database designs; creation of overviews of logical database designs; creation of physical databases; database capacity planning; development and use of backup and recovery procedures for databases; database performance monitoring; database space monitoring; database reorganizations; database replication; database compression and database partitioning. The following technology skill sets are required to perform in this classification. IBM: Z/OS, IMS, DB2, ADABAS, SMP/E, JCL, IMS DB/DC, CICS, ACF2, ASSEMBLER/COBOL/REXX, IBM FILE MANAGER, DELTA/IMS, NATURAL/ SUPERNAT, ENTIREX, CA SPOOL, IMS & DB2 BMC Tools, N20/TRIM.
This classification must have a minimum of seven (7) years of experience as a Systems Programming/ DBA, with at least three (3) years of that experience in a lead role.
This classification requires the possession of a bachelor's degree in an IT-related or engineering field.
Experience Preferred:
5 Years of experience in the last 8 years with ADABAS/NATURAL systems programming. 5 Years of experience in the last 8 years with IMS systems programming. 5 Years of experience in the last 8 years with CICS systems programming. 5 Years of experience in the last 8 years with IMS and ADABAS database administration.
Additional Information:
This is a System programmer role. Do not submit Mainframe application programmer profiles.
Regards
Sunil Damagalla
Talent Acquisition Specialist || Hiring Expert
E:sunil.d@wati.com D: 279-666-5837

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