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Mainframe Systems Programmer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Mainframe Support Engineer

Lovejoy, IL

$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

Hartford, IL · On-site

$46.25 - $59.50/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

Dupo, IL

$45.25 - $58.25/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

Mitchell, IL · On-site

$45.75 - $59/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

$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

Belleville, IL · On-site

$47.50 - $61.25/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

Brooklyn, IL · On-site

$47.75 - $61.50/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 ...

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.

$45.75 - $59/hr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

We are seeking a Mainframe Support Engineer to provide L2/L3 production support for enterprise mainframe applications. The ideal candidate will have strong experience with COBOL, DB2, VSAM, Batch processing, and production support operations. This role involves incident management, troubleshooting, batch monitoring, data analysis, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to ensure system stability and business continuity.

Primary Responsibilities
  • Provide L2/L3 production support for mainframe applications and services.
  • Investigate, troubleshoot, and resolve production incidents within defined SLAs.
  • Perform incident triage, root cause analysis, and implement timely resolutions.
  • Monitor and support batch jobs, identify job abends, and ensure successful batch processing.
  • Execute operational runbooks and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
  • Perform DB2 data analysis, reporting, and troubleshooting.
  • Collaborate with business users and technical teams to resolve production issues.
  • Maintain operational documentation, knowledge base articles, and support procedures.
  • Participate in incident communication, status updates, and post-incident reviews.
  • Support workforce management, time reporting, and overtime equalization processes where applicable.
  • Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency and system reliability.
Required Skills & Qualifications
  • 5+ years of experience in Mainframe Production Support.
  • Strong hands-on experience with COBOL, DB2, VSAM, and Batch Processing.
  • Experience handling L2/L3 production support, incident management, and problem resolution.
  • Strong knowledge of batch scheduling, monitoring, and job abend analysis.
  • Experience with DB2 queries, data analysis, and report generation.
  • Understanding of production support processes, SLA management, and operational procedures.
  • Exposure to C# and VB.NET applications is desirable.
  • Excellent troubleshooting, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to work effectively with business and technical stakeholders.
  • Ability to work independently in a fast-paced production support environment.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience supporting workforce management or time reporting applications.
  • Knowledge of ITIL-based Incident and Problem Management processes.
  • Experience with production monitoring and operational support tools.
  • Ability to support after-hours or on-call production activities when required.