▼25%
$73,547
Avg. Base Salary (USD)
/ year
Avg. Base Salary (USD)
10%
$52k
MEDIAN
$74k
90%
$101k
The average salary for a Mainframe Systems Programmer is $73,547 in 2025
Base Salary
$52k - $101k
Bonus
$1k - $8k
Total Pay
$54k - $118k
Is Average Mainframe Systems Programmer with COBOL -- IBM Skills Salary your job title? Find out what you should be paid
Use our tool to get a personalized report on your market worth.What's this?
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What is the Pay by Experience Level for Mainframe Systems Programmers?
What Do Mainframe Systems Programmers Do?
Mainframe Systems Programmer Tasks
- Install, test, and update hardware, software, and operating systems.
- Design, code, evaluate, and test system applications.
- Provide support and troubleshooting for department or organization.
Find your market worth – how it works:
Common Health Benefits for a Mainframe Systems Programmer
Medical
96%
Dental
70%
Vision
65%
None
4%
Gender Breakdown for Mainframe Systems Programmers
Male
80.0%
Female
20.0%
This data is based on 10 survey responses. Learn more about the gender pay gap.
FAQs About Mainframe Systems Programmers
What is the highest pay for Mainframe Systems Programmers?
Our data indicates that the highest pay for a Mainframe Systems Programmer is $101k / year
What is the lowest pay for Mainframe Systems Programmers?
Our data indicates that the lowest pay for a Mainframe Systems Programmer is $52k / year
How can Mainframe Systems Programmers increase their salary?
Increasing your pay as a Mainframe Systems Programmer is possible in different ways. Change of employer: Consider a career move to a new employer that is willing to pay higher for your skills. Level of Education: Gaining advanced degrees may allow this role to increase their income potential and qualify for promotions. Managing Experience: If you are a Mainframe Systems Programmer that oversees more junior Mainframe Systems Programmers, this experience can increase the likelihood to earn more.