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Mainframe Systems Programmer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

West Advanced Technologies (WATI)

Mainframe Operator

Downey, CA · On-site

$50.75 - $65/hr

The Information Technology Mainframe Operator starts and stops system tasks, monitors the system consoles for unusual conditions, and works with the system programming and production control staff to ...

West Advanced Technologies

Mainframe Operator

Downey, CA · On-site

$50.75 - $65/hr

The Information Technology Mainframe Operator starts and stops system tasks, monitors the system consoles for unusual conditions, and works with the system programming and production control staff to ...

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How much do mainframe systems programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe systems programmer in California is $57.41, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52.21 and $66.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a mainframe systems programmer?

Mainframe Systems Programmers are IT professionals responsible for installing, configuring, maintaining, and troubleshooting mainframe computer systems and software. They ensure that the mainframe environment runs efficiently, securely, and reliably, supporting critical business operations. Their duties often include system upgrades, performance tuning, applying patches, and collaborating with other IT teams to resolve complex technical issues. Mainframe Systems Programmers play a key role in organizations that rely on large-scale transaction processing, such as banks, insurance companies, and government agencies.

What does a mainframe systems programmer do?

As a mainframe systems programmer, your responsibilities are to maintain an organization’s server computer, also called a mainframe computer. Your duties include handling server configuration, as well as installing, upgrading, and customizing the operating system and other software necessary for running the server and its databases. You also work with other IT professionals with the planning of security measures to protect the mainframe and routinely perform tests for bugs and other security issues.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a mainframe systems programmer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Mainframe Systems Programmer, you need expertise in system programming, operating systems like z/OS, and strong problem-solving abilities, usually supported by a degree in computer science or related field. Familiarity with mainframe tools such as IBM z/OS utilities, JCL, REXX, and experience with system monitoring and performance tuning software are commonly required. Attention to detail, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills help ensure smooth collaboration and troubleshooting. These skills are essential to maintain, optimize, and secure critical enterprise computing environments that rely on mainframe infrastructure.

What are some common challenges mainframe systems programmers face when maintaining legacy systems?

Mainframe Systems Programmers often encounter challenges related to supporting and upgrading legacy systems that may have limited documentation or use outdated programming languages. Navigating compatibility issues with newer hardware or software can require creative problem-solving and deep technical expertise. Additionally, ensuring system security and reliability while performing upgrades or patches involves careful planning and collaboration with other IT and business teams. Staying current with evolving mainframe technologies and practices is essential for long-term success in the role.

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

AspectMainframe Systems ProgrammerMainframe Application Developer
CredentialsTypically requires certifications like IBM Certified Systems ProgrammerOften requires programming certifications or specific language expertise
Work EnvironmentWorks primarily on system-level tasks, OS, and hardware interactionsFocuses on developing and maintaining applications on mainframe platforms
Employer & Industry UsageCommon in large enterprises with mainframe infrastructureAlso in large organizations, but more application-focused
Job FocusSystem configuration, performance tuning, and maintenanceApplication coding, testing, and deployment

The Mainframe Systems Programmer primarily manages system-level tasks, ensuring the mainframe environment runs efficiently, while the Mainframe Application Developer focuses on creating and maintaining applications. Both roles are essential in mainframe environments but differ in their technical focus and responsibilities.

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Mainframe Systems Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mainframe Systems Programmer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $119,422 per year, or $57.4 per hour.

Mainframe Systems Programmer / Mainframe DBA - Los Angeles, CA (Hybrid)

Startekk Inc

Los Angeles, CA • Remote

Contractor

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Company Description
  • StarTekk's adoption of Digital Transformation is to accelerate organizational growth, increase efficiencies and help Star Workforce achieve focused business goals. The Employee will help our organization to identify and bridge the gap that exists in the business by analyzing the data, scale and support digital transformation initiatives.
Job Description

We are seeking a highly experienced Mainframe Systems Programmer / DBA to lead and support complex database upgrade projects, modifications, installations, testing, implementations, maintenance, and enhancements of new and existing system software products.

The selected candidate will plan, install, configure, test, implement, and manage core database and software products supporting enterprise database architecture and business needs. The role may involve working with DB2, IMS, and ADABAS/NATURAL environments.

Required Skills : 

  • Manage hierarchical (IMS), relational (DB2), and file-based (ADABAS) databases.
  • Plan and execute database environment upgrades and migrations.
  • Monitor and verify database health, performance, and capacity.
  • Provide database administration consulting to application development and operations teams.
  • Perform technical reviews and evaluations of existing DBMS environments.
  • Provide database design recommendations to project teams.
  • Develop logical and physical database designs.
  • Create physical databases and logical database overviews.
  • Perform database capacity planning.
  • Develop and maintain backup and recovery procedures.
  • Perform database performance and space monitoring.
  • Conduct database reorganizations, replication, compression, and partitioning.
  • Support production database environments and complex database projects.

Mainframe Technology Skills : 

  • 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
Qualifications
  • Minimum 7 years of experience as a Systems Programmer / DBA.
  • At least 3 years of experience in a lead role.
  • 4+ years of database administration experience in Oracle, MySQL, PostgreSQL, and/or Microsoft SQL Server environments.
  • 3+ years of experience transferring, validating, and maintaining databases in cloud environments.
  • 5+ years of experience utilizing StarQuest Stelo Data Replication software.
  • Bachelor's degree in Information Technology, Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field required.
Additional Information
  • Assessing, planning, and migrating databases to cloud environments.
  • Transferring, validating, and maintaining databases in cloud environments.
  • Installing, configuring, and supporting Oracle Enterprise Edition 19c and 21c on Linux.
  • Supporting Oracle databases as backends for public-facing web applications and internal data warehousing.
  • Installing and configuring MySQL and PostgreSQL databases.
  • Installing and supporting Microsoft SQL Server instances.
  • Configuring and supporting Oracle Application Express (APEX).
  • Configuring Oracle gateways connecting SQL Server, MySQL, and PostgreSQL instances to Oracle databases.
  • Oracle Spatial implementation and support.
  • Building custom ETL utilities using cron/crontab, SQLLoader, and PL/SQL.
  • Database administration including patch installation, cloning, backup/recovery, and script development.
  • Windows batch scripting, Unix shell scripting, and PL/SQL.
  • Troubleshooting and resolving ETL job issues.
  • Setting up and supporting connectivity to remote database servers using Stelo Data Replication software.
  • Monitoring and troubleshooting full and incremental data transfers.

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