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What does a Mainframe Developer do?

Updated January 8, 2025
8 min read
Quoted Expert
Dr. Howard Rees
What does a Mainframe Developer do

A mainframe developer specializes in designing and developing information technology systems. Their responsibilities include performing system installations and modifications, creating test structures, gathering and analyzing data, conducting risk assessments, providing support for project requirements, and implementing plans such as disaster recovery and interface layout. They may also investigate client feedback, troubleshoot issues, and perform systems repairs as needed. Furthermore, as a mainframe developer, it is essential to maintain regular maintenance checks, providing technical support and guidelines to company employees.

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Mainframe developer responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real mainframe developer resumes:

  • Used ChangeMan to manage change control for source code and JCL migrations/promotions.
  • Design and develop SQL SSIS packages to manage the flow and synchronization of data across multiple systems.
  • Utilize significant experience working with end users, managing off-shore resources and interfacing with diverse QA groups across the firm.
  • Create a completely automate and fully manage desktop management solution.
  • Perform debugging modify on-line programs using GUI/XI debugging tolls for XML and Xpediter.
  • Created/Change various data files/tables such as VSAM, PDS, GDG and DB2 tables.
  • Change hundreds of FTP jobs to use SFTP as a transmission method by changing Procs.
  • Develop the web tier components using JSP, Servlet, JavaScript, HTML and Ajax.
  • Validate text messages that come through MQ's and update DB2 tables base on certain condition.
  • Implement daily regression test automatically with Linux cron job.
  • Provide guidance and support to application developers on DB2 best practices during application development.
  • Develop communication between mainframe and Unix base systems using MQ-Messaging technology in batch and CICS environments.
  • Report the issues in JIRA.
  • Used QMF and SPUFI for reporting and queries.
  • Develop the UI using PowerBuilder.

Mainframe developer skills and personality traits

We calculated that 11% of Mainframe Developers are proficient in DB2, JCL, and CICS. They’re also known for soft skills such as Troubleshooting skills, Detail oriented, and Analytical skills.

We break down the percentage of Mainframe Developers that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • DB2, 11%

    Authored technical documentation for and coded COBOL DB2 programs, DB2 stored procedures and JCL for the Merchandise Assortment Planning Project.

  • JCL, 10%

    Coded different programs to create extensive JCL procedures automatically Batch processing for accounting reports.

  • CICS, 8%

    Developed communication between mainframe and Unix based systems using MQ-Messaging technology in batch and CICS environments.

  • SQL, 6%

    Provided SQL fine tuning ideas and approaches to rewrite existing program logic to reduce CPU cost of the batch stream.

  • VSAM, 4%

    Improved performance of the program by using VSAM to access the other platform feed in batch and online concurrently.

  • Java, 4%

    Developed mainframe application which interacts with front end application in Java for adjudicating claims.

"db2," "jcl," and "cics" are among the most common skills that mainframe developers use at work. You can find even more mainframe developer responsibilities below, including:

Troubleshooting skills. The most essential soft skill for a mainframe developer to carry out their responsibilities is troubleshooting skills. This skill is important for the role because "an important part of a programmer’s job is to check the code for errors and fix any they find." Additionally, a mainframe developer resume shows how their duties depend on troubleshooting skills: "involved in troubleshooting, debugging and performance tuning of code and supporting users by incorporating specific requests. "

Detail oriented. Another essential skill to perform mainframe developer duties is detail oriented. Mainframe developers responsibilities require that "computer programmers must closely examine the code they write because a small mistake can affect the entire computer program." Mainframe developers also use detail oriented in their role according to a real resume snippet: "prepare detailed technical specifications for enhancing the impacted components. "

Analytical skills. This is an important skill for mainframe developers to perform their duties. For an example of how mainframe developer responsibilities depend on this skill, consider that "computer programmers must understand complex instructions in order to create computer code." This excerpt from a resume also shows how vital it is to everyday roles and responsibilities of a mainframe developer: "developed front end web applications using html, java script and used xml for transferring data from mainframe to web applications. ".

All mainframe developer skills

The three companies that hire the most mainframe developers are:

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Compare different mainframe developers

Mainframe developer vs. Software programmer

A software programmer is an information technology expert who specializes in programming software and generating codes, ensuring quality and efficiency. In a company setting, they typically perform research and analysis to understand and identify the projects' needs, develop and implement test structures, troubleshoot and resolve issues, write technical instructions, and provide technical support to staff as needed. Most of the time, a software programmer works in a team setting, which requires an active communication line for a smooth workflow.

We looked at the average mainframe developer salary and compared it with the wages of a software programmer. Generally speaking, software programmers are paid $19,290 lower than mainframe developers per year.Even though mainframe developers and software programmers are distinct careers, a few of the skills required for both jobs are similar. For example, both careers require db2, java, and debugging in the day-to-day roles and responsibilities.

While similarities exist, there are also some differences between mainframe developers and software programmer. For instance, mainframe developer responsibilities require skills such as "jcl," "cics," "sql," and "vsam." Whereas a software programmer is skilled in "javascript," "software development," "html," and "python." This is part of what separates the two careers.

Software programmers really shine in the technology industry with an average salary of $74,047. Comparatively, mainframe developers tend to make the most money in the insurance industry with an average salary of $96,137.software programmers tend to reach higher levels of education than mainframe developers. In fact, software programmers are 6.1% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.3% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.

Mainframe developer vs. Software engineer

A software engineer is a computer science professional who is responsible for the development of information systems, designing and building computer systems software and applications software. They often prefer to call themselves as a software developer or computer programmer. They have substantial knowledge of programming languages, software development, and computer operating systems, and other technologies. They use these to turn a plan into a final output. They can create a design, test, and develop software based on the needs of their clients.

Software engineer positions earn higher pay than mainframe developer roles. They earn a $9,358 higher salary than mainframe developers per year.Only some things about these jobs are the same. Take their skills, for example. Mainframe developers and software engineers both require similar skills like "db2," "java," and "application development" to carry out their responsibilities.

While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that mainframe developer responsibilities requires skills like "jcl," "cics," "sql," and "vsam." But a software engineer might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "python," "software development," "database," and "git."

Software engineers earn a higher average salary than mainframe developers. But software engineers earn the highest pay in the start-up industry, with an average salary of $122,617. Additionally, mainframe developers earn the highest salaries in the insurance with average pay of $96,137 annually.Average education levels between the two professions vary. Software engineers tend to reach higher levels of education than mainframe developers. In fact, they're 5.5% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.3% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Mainframe Developers in the next 3-5 years?

Dr. Howard Rees

Adjunct Assistant Professor of Information Systems, Rider University

Hmm, what technology? That's a question with many different levels of context. For some undergraduates in CS and IT, I would look at systems programming in massively parallel environments, application programming with particular focus on security and privacy, and data science and analytics. For other undergraduates, they might look at artificial intelligence and machine learning, for business applications especially. AI is becoming ubiquitous throughout the business, but it's often used as a "black box."
Meaning that the applications (and those "operating" them) do not understand what's happening inside. AI systems are often "designed, trained, and tested" by the provider and certified as generating the output most desired by the customer but only in a statistical sense. There is no "proof" that the AI black box is, with certainty, doing what the business customer (or the provider for that matter) thinks it is doing - it just does a good job when tested on data. There will be a significant need for tech-savvy people to design, train, monitor, and apply them so that they do not deviate from the desired goals. Such deviations can result in socially destructive business practices. As you can't properly manage what you don't understand, there is a risk in using AI too blindly. CS and IT graduates will need to help out.

Mainframe developer vs. Programmer

Computer programmers provide assistance and services concerning computer applications and software programs. A computer programmer must be highly-knowledgeable on programming languages and operating systems to create projects and fix any malfunctions under minimal supervision. Computer programmers must have excellent communication and critical-thinking skills to analyze data and request assistance from a senior programmer as needed. They must also be keen on details to oversee possible faulty codes, troubleshooting problems, and upgrading systems to ensure that the program will perform smoothly and efficiently.

An average programmer eans a lower salary compared to the average salary of mainframe developers. The difference in salaries amounts to programmers earning a $17,895 lower average salary than mainframe developers.mainframe developers and programmers both have job responsibilities that require similar skill sets. These similarities include skills such as "db2," "jcl," and "cics," but they differ when it comes to other required skills.

The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, mainframe developers are more likely to have skills like "sql," "mq," "cobol ii," and "test data." But a programmer is more likely to have skills like "javascript," "css," "python," and "data entry."

Programmers earn the highest salary when working in the finance industry, where they receive an average salary of $86,815. Comparatively, mainframe developers have the highest earning potential in the insurance industry, with an average salary of $96,137.When it comes to education, programmers tend to earn similar degree levels compared to mainframe developers. In fact, they're 1.6% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.4% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Mainframe developer vs. Java programmer

Java programmers design and develop programs with the goal of not taking up too much data and less to almost no latency that can be useful to their users every day. They aim to write testable, well designed, and efficient computer codes. Java developers need a range of skills, from a thorough knowledge of the basics to an understanding of the latest developments. Programmers also need knowledge beyond the java language itself. Their skills should include knowing how the development process works and how the apps function in which the code runs.

Java programmers tend to earn a lower pay than mainframe developers by an average of $10,574 per year.While their salaries may vary, mainframe developers and java programmers both use similar skills to perform their duties. Resumes from both professions include skills like "db2," "java," and "application development. "While some skills are required in each professionacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities, there are some differences to note. "jcl," "cics," "sql," and "vsam" are skills that commonly show up on mainframe developer resumes. On the other hand, java programmers use skills like web application, html, jsp, and web services on their resumes.The finance industry tends to pay the highest salaries for java programmers, with average annual pay of $94,924. Comparatively, the highest mainframe developer annual salary comes from the insurance industry.java programmers reach higher levels of education compared to mainframe developers, in general. The difference is that they're 8.9% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.4% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of mainframe developer

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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