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Mainframe Tester Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

iSpace, Inc

Senior Mainframe COBOL Developer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$52.75 - $68/hr

We are Seeking a Senior Mainframe COBOL Developer with a strong background in enterprise financial ... Experience performing application enhancements, impact analysis, debugging, testing, and production ...

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Mainframe Tester information

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$18

$42

$69

How much do mainframe tester jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe tester in California is $42.94, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32.98 and $51.73 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the mainframe tester position, and why are they important?

A Mainframe Tester needs strong analytical abilities, proficiency in mainframe environments (such as IBM z/OS), and knowledge of programming languages like COBOL, JCL, and SQL, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Experience with test automation tools (e.g., IBM Rational, CA tools), debugging utilities, and relevant certifications like ISTQB can be highly beneficial. Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication help testers excel in cross-functional teams. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring reliability, compliance, and performance of mission-critical mainframe systems in large organizations.

What are the typical responsibilities and daily tasks of a mainframe tester?

Mainframe Testers are primarily responsible for designing, developing, and executing test cases on mainframe applications to ensure their accuracy and performance. On a daily basis, you might review requirements, create test data, identify defects, and work closely with developers to resolve coding issues. The role often involves collaborating with business analysts and system architects to understand the application's functionality and ensure compliance with business and technical standards. Mainframe Testers frequently use specialized testing tools and may participate in both manual and automated testing cycles. This collaborative and detail-oriented environment helps ensure high-quality and reliable mainframe systems for the organization.

Are mainframe tester jobs in demand?

Mainframe tester jobs remain in demand due to the continued use of legacy mainframe systems in industries like finance and government. These roles require skills in testing mainframe applications, often involving tools like JCL, COBOL, and testing frameworks, and tend to offer stable employment opportunities.

What is a mainframe tester?

A Mainframe Tester is responsible for testing applications running on mainframe systems to ensure their functionality, reliability, and security. They create and execute test cases, validate data processing, and identify defects in mainframe applications. They work with technologies like COBOL, JCL, DB2, and CICS to test batch and online processes. Their role is critical in industries like banking, insurance, and healthcare, where mainframes handle large-scale transaction processing. The tester collaborates with developers and business analysts to ensure the applications meet business requirements.

How to be a mainframe tester?

To become a mainframe tester, you should have a strong understanding of mainframe environments, including COBOL, JCL, and DB2, along with experience in software testing and quality assurance. Familiarity with testing tools like IBM Rational or CA Test Data Manager and obtaining relevant certifications can enhance your prospects. Developing skills in scripting, debugging, and understanding legacy systems is also beneficial.
What are popular job titles related to Mainframe Tester jobs in California? For Mainframe Tester jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Mainframe Tester jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Mainframe Tester jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Mainframe Tester jobs? Cities in California with the most Mainframe Tester job openings:
Mainframe Tester jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mainframe Tester job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, and 60% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $89,305 per year, or $42.9 per hour.

Mainframe Consultant

West Advanced Technologies (WATI)

Sacramento, CA • On-site

Full-time

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

Job description

Mainframe Consultant
Sacramento, CA
24+ months
Onsite
Required Skills:
Must have a minimum of ten (10) years of experience in mainframe application support and/or development. Proficient in IBM mainframe environments such as DB2, Customer Information Control System (CICS), MQ, and Time-Sharing Option/Interaction System Productivity Facility (TSO/ISPF).
Must have a minimum of ten (10) years of experience working with IBM Mainframe Languages such as COBOL, Assembler, Virtual Storage Access Method (VSAM), Job Control Language (JCL), Restructured Extended Executor (REXX) at the subject matter expert level, including analysis, design, coding, and testing.
Must have a minimum of ten (10) years of experience working with CA Endevor Software Migration Control Manager, or similar.
Must have a minimum of ten (10) years of experience in producing written technical documentation, including the use of flow-charting software.
Bachelor's Degree in an IT-related or Engineering field.
Desired Skills:
Must have a minimum of fifteen (15) years of experience of software development lifecycle (SDLC) best practices.
Minimum of ten (10) years of experience in Oracle, Natural, or COBOL.
Must have a minimum of five (5) years of experience with training and mentoring programmers in z/OS Assembler language.
Must have a minimum of two (2) years of experience working in a public sector transportation agency
Regards
Sunil Damagalla
West Advanced Technologies, Inc
E: sunil.d@wati.com , D: 279-666-5837

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