How much does a Mainframe System Programmer make in the United States?
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The average Mainframe System Programmer salary in the United States is $94,416 as of January 01, 2026. The range for our most popular Mainframe System Programmer positions (listed below) typically falls between $84,370 and $104,463. Keep in mind that salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including position, education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
Mainframe System Programmer's Annual Base Salary
| Job Title | Salary | Hourly Rate | Location | Date Updated |
| Mainframe Programmer | $83,731 | $40.26 | United States | January 01, 2026 |
| Intermediate Mainframe Programmer | $83,800 | $40.29 | United States | January 01, 2026 |
| Senior Mainframe Programmer | $104,047 | $50.02 | United States | January 01, 2026 |
| Mainframe Programmer Analyst | $84,170 | $40.47 | United States | January 01, 2026 |
| Mainframe Systems Programmer | $83,185 | $39.99 | United States | January 01, 2026 |
| Mainframe Cobol Programmer | $95,834 | $46.07 | United States | January 01, 2026 |
| System Programmer | $114,580 | $55.09 | United States | January 01, 2026 |
| Control System Programmer | $119,771 | $57.58 | United States | January 01, 2026 |
| Mainframe Developer II | $83,790 | $40.28 | United States | January 01, 2026 |
| Mainframe Developer III | $104,050 | $50.02 | United States | January 01, 2026 |
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Mainframe Programmer reviews, analyzes, and modifies programming systems including encoding, testing, debugging and installing for a large-scale mainframe computer system. Maintains and develops online and batch application programs. Being a Mainframe Programmer develops and implements a disaster recovery plan. Works with project members to develop specifications, diagrams and flowcharts. Additionally, Mainframe Programmer may require a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a project leader or manager. The Mainframe Programmer occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gaining exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. To be a Mainframe Programmer typically requires 2 -4 years of related experience. View Mainframe Programmer SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Intermediate Mainframe Programmer, Legacy Applications Programmer - Intermediate, Mainframe Developer II
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The Intermediate Mainframe Programmer maintains and develops online and batch application programs. Reviews, analyzes, and modifies programming systems including encoding, testing, debugging and installing for a large-scale mainframe computer system. Being an Intermediate Mainframe Programmer works with project members to develop specifications, diagrams and flowcharts. Develops and implements a disaster recovery plan. In addition, Intermediate Mainframe Programmer may require a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a project leader or manager. Being an Intermediate Mainframe Programmer gains exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Working as an Intermediate Mainframe Programmer typically requires 2 to 4 years of related experience. View Intermediate Mainframe Programmer SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Legacy Applications Programmer - Intermediate, Mainframe Developer II
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Senior Mainframe Programmer reviews, analyzes, and modifies programming systems including encoding, testing, debugging and installing for a large-scale mainframe computer system. Maintains and develops online and batch application programs. Being a Senior Mainframe Programmer develops and implements a disaster recovery plan. Works with project members to develop specifications, diagrams and flowcharts. Additionally, Senior Mainframe Programmer may require a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a project leader or manager. The Senior Mainframe Programmer work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. To be a Senior Mainframe Programmer typically requires 4 -7 years of related experience. View Senior Mainframe Programmer SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Legacy Applications Programmer - Senior, Mainframe Developer III
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The Mainframe Developer II maintains and develops online and batch application programs. Reviews, analyzes, and modifies programming systems including encoding, testing, debugging and installing for a large-scale mainframe computer system. Being a Mainframe Developer II works with project members to develop specifications, diagrams and flowcharts. Develops and implements a disaster recovery plan. In addition, Mainframe Developer II may require a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a project leader or manager. Being a Mainframe Developer II gains exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Working as a Mainframe Developer II typically requires 2 to 4 years of related experience. View Mainframe Developer II SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Intermediate Mainframe Programmer, Legacy Applications Programmer - Intermediate
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The Mainframe Developer III maintains and develops online and batch application programs. Reviews, analyzes, and modifies programming systems including encoding, testing, debugging and installing for a large-scale mainframe computer system. Being a Mainframe Developer III works with project members to develop specifications, diagrams and flowcharts. Develops and implements a disaster recovery plan. In addition, Mainframe Developer III may require a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a project leader or manager. Being a Mainframe Developer III contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Working as a Mainframe Developer III typically requires 4 to 7 years of related experience. View Mainframe Developer III SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Senior Mainframe Programmer, Legacy Applications Programmer - Senior