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Operating Systems Programmer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Senior Systems Programmer for Legacy Systems, for development of operating systems, is responsible for analyzing systems requirements, risks and costs; evaluating, selecting, verifying and ...

Systems Programmer (z/OS) Mainframe z/OS Operating System Systems Programmer / System Administrator Experienced mainframe z/OS operating system systems programmer / system administrator role within a ...

Mainframe Systems Programmer

Atlanta, GA ยท On-site

$53 - $67.25/hr

This role requires strong expertise in mainframe operating systems, hardware, system automation ... Strong systems programming experience in a mainframe environment * In-depth knowledge of z/OS and z ...

Mainframe Systems Programmer(34394)

Phoenix, AZ ยท On-site

$54.50 - $69.50/hr

Operating systems experience should include expert knowledge of and experience with: z/OS z/AWARE ... The Sr. Systems Programmer position requires a minimum of 10 to 15 years in data processing, with 8 ...

... to system programmer and development teams.* * Design and perform server and security audits ... Installs operating system and vendor specific software updates, according to established standards.

Mainframe Systems Programmer/SR (29935)

Phoenix, AZ ยท On-site

$54.50 - $69.50/hr

Operating systems experience should include expert knowledge of and experience with: z/OS z/AWARE ... The Sr. Systems Programmer position requires a minimum of 10 to 15 years in data processing, with 8 ...

Systems Programmer Xinnovit is a global leader in technology consulting, outsourcing, and workforce ... operating system, zTPF/DF, and related ISV vendor products. 24x7 pager support (rotate across ...

Mainframe Systems Programmer/SR (37504)

Phoenix, AZ ยท On-site

$54.50 - $69.50/hr

Operating Systems experience should include expert knowledge of and experience with: z/OS z/AWARE ... The Sr. Systems Programmer position requires a minimum of 10 to 15 years in Data Processing, with 8 ...

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Operating Systems Programmer information

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How much do operating systems programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of May 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for operating systems programmer in the United States is $63.46, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63.46 and $63.46 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Operating Systems Programmer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Operating Systems Programmer, you need strong programming skills in languages like C and C++, a solid understanding of computer architecture, and a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with version control systems (e.g., Git), debugging tools, and experience with Unix/Linux or Windows kernel development are typically required. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective problem-solving are critical soft skills for diagnosing and resolving complex system-level issues. These skills ensure the reliability, efficiency, and security of operating systems that form the foundation for all computer applications.

What are some common challenges faced by Operating Systems Programmers in maintaining and updating legacy systems?

Operating Systems Programmers often encounter the challenge of maintaining and updating legacy systems, which can involve working with outdated programming languages, limited documentation, and hardware constraints. Adapting legacy code to integrate with modern technologies while ensuring system stability and security requires both technical expertise and creative problem-solving. Collaboration with hardware engineers and application developers is often necessary to address compatibility issues and deliver seamless updates. Staying up-to-date with industry best practices and emerging OS trends helps programmers anticipate and address these challenges effectively.

What are Operating Systems Programmers?

Operating Systems Programmers are specialized software engineers who design, develop, maintain, and optimize operating systems such as Windows, Linux, or macOS. Their work involves writing low-level code that manages hardware resources, handles system processes, and provides a platform for application software to run efficiently. They often work with programming languages like C, C++, and assembly, and need a deep understanding of computer architecture and system-level programming. Their role is crucial in ensuring the stability, security, and performance of computers and devices.

What is the difference between Operating Systems Programmer vs Device Driver Developer?

AspectOperating Systems ProgrammerDevice Driver Developer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Computer Science or related field; programming skills in C/C++Bachelor's in Computer Engineering or related; expertise in hardware interfaces and C/C++
Work EnvironmentDevelops core OS components, often in a system programming environmentCreates and maintains hardware-specific drivers, often within OS or hardware teams
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by OS vendors, tech companies, and embedded systemsUsed by hardware manufacturers, OS vendors, and embedded systems

Both roles require strong programming skills in C/C++, but Operating Systems Programmers focus on core OS development, while Device Driver Developers specialize in hardware interface software. The roles often overlap but differ in scope and focus within the system architecture.

More about Operating Systems Programmer jobs
What states have the most Operating Systems Programmer jobs? States with the most job openings for Operating Systems Programmer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Operating Systems Programmer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Operating Systems Programmer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Operating Systems Programmer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $132,000 per year, or $63.5 per hour.