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Mainframe Systems Programmer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ensono

Senior Mainframe Systems Programmer - zOS

$85K - $148K/yr

Position Summary The Senior Mainframe Systems Programmer begins to provide support for on-going projects that require the installation, testing, and implementation of new z/OS operating systems and ...

TriOptus LLC

Mainframe Network System Engineer

Tampa, FL · On-site

$52 - $66.25/hr

... programmer; configure, implement, maintain, support host network definitions (VTAM, TCPIP etc.) for IBM/Kyndryl and IBM customer mainframe systems. * Provide Tier3 host network services support in ...

Ensono

Senior Mainframe Systems Programmer - zOS

Position Summary The Senior Mainframe Systems Programmer provides support for on-going projects that require the installation, testing, and implementation of new z/OS operating systems and other ...

DSNSearch

z/OS Systems Programmer

Pittsburgh, PA

MAINFRAME**SYSTEMS PROGRAMMER** ANNUAL BONUS PROGRAM! HYBRID WORK/MUST WORK ON SITE 2X WEEK * SENIOR LEVEL Z/OS ARCHITECT EXPERT WITH Z/OS SYSTEMS PROGRAMMING EXPERTISE * ARCHITECT, INSTALL, UPGRADE ...

DSNSearch

z/OS Systems Programmer

Orlando, FL · On-site

MAINFRAME**SYSTEMS PROGRAMMER** ANNUAL BONUS PROGRAM! HYBRID WORK/MUST WORK ON SITE 2X WEEK * SENIOR LEVEL Z/OS ARCHITECT EXPERT WITH Z/OS SYSTEMS PROGRAMMING EXPERTISE * ARCHITECT, INSTALL, UPGRADE ...

DSNSearch

z/OS Systems Programmer

Jersey City, NJ

MAINFRAME**SYSTEMS PROGRAMMER** ANNUAL BONUS PROGRAM! HYBRID WORK/MUST WORK ON SITE 2X WEEK * SENIOR LEVEL Z/OS ARCHITECT EXPERT WITH Z/OS SYSTEMS PROGRAMMING EXPERTISE * ARCHITECT, INSTALL, UPGRADE ...

VIVA USA INC

Mainframe z/OS System Programmer

Houston, TX · On-site +1

$37.50 - $42.50/hr

Primary tasks being MVS systems programming activities such as system security compliance to ... Knowledge of mainframe storage and backup. Hands on experience of IBM mainframe IPL processes ...

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Mainframe Systems Programmer information

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How much do mainframe systems programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe systems 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 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 are Mainframe Systems Programmers?

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.
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Mainframe Systems Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mainframe Systems Programmer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 62% In-person, 13% Hybrid, and 25% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $121,006 per year, or $58.2 per hour.
ADABAS/CICS/IMS Systems Programmer/DBA

ADABAS/CICS/IMS Systems Programmer/DBA

Pyramid Technology Solutions, Inc.

Downey, CA • Hybrid

$75/hr

Other

Posted 19 days ago

Job description

Job Role: ADABAS/CICS/IMS Systems Programmer/DBA 

Location: Downey, CA 

Duration: 12 Months Contract

 

Is this role located on-site, hybrid, or remote?: Hybrid

Is a Livescan Required for Position?: NO

 

Hourly Pay: $75/hr on W2

 

The candidate should clear the following background checks for at least the past 7 years:

  • Employment History – Verification of past employment records.
  • Educational Background – Validation of academic credentials.
  • Criminal/Felony – Check for any criminal records.
  • SSN – Social Security Number (SSN) verification.

 

Note: Candidate references are mandatory for submission, and a pre-screening call will be conducted during the submission process.

Position Description:

A Mainframe Systems Programmer/DBA is responsible for leading and/or supporting the most complex database upgrade projects, modification, installation, testing, implementation, maintenance and enhancements of new or existing system software products. This classification must plan, install, configure, test, implement and manage core database products, software products in support of the County’s database architecture and business needs. Special organizational or functional industry position titles for Systems Programmer/DBA include, but are not limited to, DB2 Systems Programmer/DBA, IMS Systems Programmer/DBA and ADABAS/NATURAL Systems Programmer/DBA.

 

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.

 

Additional Skills Required:

Skills required IMS DB/DC CICS ADABAS NATURAL N2O TRIM NATSECURITY.

 

Experience Required:

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.     

 

Education Required:

This classification requires the possession of a bachelor’s degree in an IT-related or engineering field.     

 

Additional Information:

This position is Hybrid. The resource has to be on-site 2 days a week. Do not submit mainframe application developer profiles. This is a systems programmer/DBA role.

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