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Mainframe Systems Programmer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Mainframe Support Engineer

Lovejoy, IL · On-site

$48.25 - $62.25/hr

We are seeking a Mainframe Support Engineer to provide L2/L3 production support for enterprise ... Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and system reliability. Required Skills ...

Mainframe Support Engineer

Venice, IL · On-site

$46.75 - $60.25/hr

We are seeking a Mainframe Support Engineer to provide L2/L3 production support for enterprise ... Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and system reliability. Required Skills ...

Mainframe Support Engineer

Madison, IL · On-site

$46.75 - $60/hr

We are seeking a Mainframe Support Engineer to provide L2/L3 production support for enterprise ... Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and system reliability. Required Skills ...

Java Engineer - REST APIs & Database Systems

Lisle, IL · On-site

$51 - $70/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Broadcom's Mainframe Software Division (MSD) is looking for a talented, motivated, and experienced ... We are looking for an engineer who is highly motivated, team oriented, and has excellent ...

Mainframe Developer

Springfield, IL · On-site

$80K - $140K/yr

The Mainframe Developer will support Barrow Wise's State of Illinois project and perform the ... Demonstrate strong expertise in Mainframe IMS (Information Management Systems) and MVS (Multiple ...

Mainframe Developer

Springfield, IL · On-site

$48.50 - $62.50/hr

The Mainframe Developer will support Barrow Wise's State of Illinois project and perform the ... Demonstrate strong expertise in Mainframe IMS (Information Management Systems) and MVS (Multiple ...

Mainframe Specialist

Chicago, IL

$70K - $196K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Evaluate legacy systems and propose actionable modernization strategies-covering rehosting ... Partner with cross-functional teams-architects, developers, QA, and business analysts-to gather ...

Showing results 21-40

Mainframe Systems Programmer information

See Illinois salary details

$9

$56

$75

How much do mainframe systems programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe systems 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 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 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.

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 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 job categories do people searching Mainframe Systems Programmer jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Mainframe Systems Programmer jobs in Illinois are:

Infographic showing various Mainframe Systems Programmer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,258 per year, or $56.4 per hour.

Mainframe/Cobol developer

Atria Group LLC

Bloomington, IL

$47 - $60.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Company Description

We specialize in Staffing, Consulting, Software Development, and Training along with IT services to small to medium size companies. AG's primary objective is to help companies maximize their IT resources and meet the ever-changing IT needs and challenges.

In addition, AG offers enterprise resource planning and enterprise application integration, supply-chain management, e-commerce solutions, and B2B public exchanges and B2B process integration solutions. Our company provides application analysis, design, development and programming, software engineering, systems development, testing, integration, and implementation, and management consulting services to various clients - including governmental agencies and private companies - throughout the United States and India.

We provide these services in multiple computing environments and use technologies such as client/server architecture, object-oriented programming languages and tools, distributed database management systems, state-of-the-art networking, and communications infrastructures. Our honest and realistic approach to recruiting dictates that AG does not entice or lure engineers from their employers. We represent only high caliber technical professionals who have committed to making a change required by career.

Job Description
  • Mainframe/Cobol developer
  • Resource needed with industry knowledge/experience of IBM's Rational Asset Analyzer (RAA) tool. 
  • Preferable, but not mandatory is additional knowledge/experience of MicroFocus Enterprise Analyzer (MFEA). 
  • Skills in Software Impact Analysis and Host mainframe computing experience.
Additional Information
  1. Good comm skills are a big priority
  2. Duration:  6+ months