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Mainframe Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Broadcom

Displaying a broad range of disciplines, environments, and best practices within the mainframe operations practice, or the individual may possess skills and highly technical experience in Broadcom ...

Broadcom

SYSVIEW, OPS/MVS, NetMaster, Mainframe Application Tuner, etc., that is, a specialist of the highest technical caliber. The senior consultant provides assistance and recommendations to management and ...

Broadcom

Sr Mainframe Technical Consultant

San Jose, CA · On-site

SYSVIEW, OPS/MVS, NetMaster, Mainframe Application Tuner, etc., that is, a specialist of the highest technical caliber. The senior consultant provides assistance and recommendations to management and ...

Broadcom

Sr Mainframe Technical Consultant

Petaluma, CA · On-site

SYSVIEW, OPS/MVS, NetMaster, Mainframe Application Tuner, etc., that is, a specialist of the highest technical caliber. The senior consultant provides assistance and recommendations to management and ...

AgreeYa Solutions

Mainframe Systems Programmer

Downey, CA

$56.75 - $72.25/hr

Mainframe Systems Programmer/DBA is responsible for leading and/or supporting the most complex database upgrade projects, modification, installation, testing, implementation, maintenance and ...

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How much do mainframe jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for mainframe in California is $52.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46.49 and $59.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Mainframe Developer, and why are they important?

To excel as a Mainframe Developer, a strong background in COBOL, JCL, mainframe operating systems (like z/OS), and database management is essential, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with tools such as IBM DB2, CICS, VSAM, and mainframe version control systems is typically required, and certifications like IBM Certified System Programmer can be advantageous. Analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are important soft skills for identifying issues and collaborating with cross-functional teams. These skills ensure reliable maintenance, development, and modernization of mission-critical legacy systems that support large-scale business operations.

What Is a Mainframe Application Developer Job Description?

The job description of a mainframe application developer is to sustain the central data processing system, or mainframe. Common duties include designing applications, analyzing data, running reports, and deploying mainframe applications. This job requires a great deal of collaboration to keep the mainframe going and a strong understanding of mainframe languages. A key part of this role is to align the design of the mainframe with changing business needs.

What are mainframes and what do they do?

Mainframes are powerful computers used mainly by large organizations for critical applications, bulk data processing, large-scale transaction processing, and enterprise resource planning. They are known for their reliability, scalability, and security, making them essential for industries like banking, healthcare, and government. Mainframes can handle thousands of users and transactions simultaneously, supporting the core operations of many businesses.

What are some typical challenges faced by mainframe professionals when integrating legacy systems with modern technologies?

Mainframe professionals often encounter challenges when integrating legacy systems with newer technologies, such as ensuring data compatibility, managing security protocols, and minimizing downtime during migration. These tasks require a deep understanding of both the existing mainframe architecture and the modern platforms being introduced. Collaboration with cross-functional teams—including application developers, security specialists, and project managers—is essential to ensure seamless integration and to address potential issues proactively. Staying updated on the latest integration tools and best practices also helps in overcoming these challenges efficiently.

What is the difference between Mainframe vs Mainframe Developer?

AspectMainframeMainframe Developer
Primary RoleMaintains and manages mainframe hardware and systemsDesigns, develops, and tests mainframe applications
Skills & CertificationsKnowledge of mainframe hardware, OS, and basic scriptingProficiency in COBOL, JCL, and mainframe programming languages
Work EnvironmentData centers, enterprise IT departmentsDevelopment teams within mainframe environments
Industry UsageUsed by organizations with legacy systemsDevelops and maintains those legacy systems

While Mainframe professionals focus on maintaining the hardware and system infrastructure, Mainframe Developers specialize in creating and updating mainframe applications. Both roles require knowledge of mainframe environments, but their responsibilities differ significantly within the same industry.

More about Mainframe jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Mainframe jobs in California? The most popular types of Mainframe jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Mainframe jobs in California? For Mainframe jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Mainframe jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Mainframe jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Mainframe jobs? Cities in California with the most Mainframe job openings:
Mainframe jobs near you
Infographic showing various Mainframe job openings in California as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 59% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 38% Contract. Highlights an 79% In-person, 7% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,572 per year, or $52.7 per hour.
Sr Mainframe Systems Programmer

Sr Mainframe Systems Programmer

West Advanced Technologies (WATI)

Downey, CA • On-site

$56.75 - $72.25/hr

Contractor

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

Job description

Job Title: Sr Mainframe Systems Programmer
Location: Downey, CA, 90242
Duration: 12 Months
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.
Skills Preferred
DB2,ADABAS and MQ Systems programming skills , Mainframe DBA Skills, SMP/E.
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.
Experience Preferred
7 Years of Experience in ADABAS/NATURAL systems programming.
12 Years of Experience in DB2 Systems programming.
5 Years of experience in ADABAS/DB2/MQ Database Administration.
5 Years of experience in BMC DB2 Admin tools.
Education Required
This classification requires the possession of a bachelor's degree in an IT-related or engineering field.
Additional Information
Please do not submit Mainframe Application developer or Team Leads or Just DBA Profiles. This position is strictly Mainframe Systems programmer role with DBA Skills.
Regards
Rajeev Gaddam
West Advanced Technologies, Inc
E: rajeev.g@wati.com D: 916 318 7021
Serving government agencies for 22 Years
www.wati.com

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