What Is a Mainframe Programmer and How to Become One

By ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team

As a mainframe programmer, your job is to design and program applications for mainframe computers, which are powerful machines that help to run many commercial and industrial processes. In this role, you may conduct an analysis of existing software to ensure it is as error-free as possible, help test new software, and implement software in a way that makes it easy for users to access. Mainframe programmers often use coding languages like COBOL, C++, SQL, Java, and CLIST when programming software. Somewhat unusually, most companies prefer to stick with specific coding languages even when they are not necessarily the best language for the job in order to reduce complexity and the risk of errors.

The primary qualifications for getting a job as a mainframe programmer are a bachelor's degree in a relevant field and experience programming software. It is possible to get a job in this field with a high school diploma or an associate degree, but this is relatively rare. A somewhat larger percentage of programmers have a master's degree instead of a bachelor's, but that level of education is not actually required. Familiarity with several coding languages is particularly helpful for this role, and many people move into programming for mainframes after getting some experience in other areas. Fulfilling the responsibilities and duties of a mainframe programmer requires research skills, interpersonal skills, and attention to detail.