How Much Do Mainframe Developers Make? 2026 Salary Guide

Key takeaways

Mainframe developers are specialized software developers who maintain a computer system’s mainframe.

• Mainframe developers earn a median total salary of $118,000 in the US [1].

• Mainframe developer salaries vary based on the state you work in, your level of education and experience, and your job industry.

• You can earn higher salaries by earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree in computer science, electrical engineering, or a related field.

Explore the typical salary for mainframe developers, factors that could impact your pay, and more. If you’re ready to start preparing for a developer role, enroll in the Microsoft Full-Stack Developer Professional Certificate. You’ll have the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of full-stack development, including C# programming, .NET framework, object-oriented programming, and more, in as little as nine months. Upon completion, you’ll have earned a career credential for your resume.

What is a mainframe developer?

A mainframe developer—sometimes called a COBOL developer—is a specialized career within the software developer career path. As a mainframe developer, you’ll maintain a computer system's mainframe, which is a high-performance computer that handles many users in centralized databases. You’ll perform maintenance using programming languages so that an organization’s mainframe can store and process a massive amount of data in a short time. You’ll also test code from other developers for bugs and collaborate with other IT professionals to develop new applications for the organization. 

What is the salary of a mainframe developer? 

A mainframe developer is a specialized type of software developer. The estimated median total salary for mainframe developers in the US is $118,000 [1]. This figure includes base salary and additional pay, which may represent profit-sharing, commissions, bonuses, or other compensation. The salary for mainframe developers from several job posting sites is as follows.

Is mainframe developer a good career choice?

You can consider whether a mainframe developer is a good career option by comparing the average salary in this role to the average salary across all positions in the United States. The salary for a mainframe developer ranges from an average base salary of $73,744 to a median total salary of $118,000 [1, 3], while the average salary across all occupations in the US is $67,920 [4]. You can also consider the US Bureau of Labor Statistics’ projections for growth for mainframe developers over the next decade. As part of the software developer, quality assurance analyst, and testers category, mainframe developer roles will grow by 15 percent over the next decade [5]. Together, these numbers suggest that a career as a mainframe developer may be a good choice.

Mainframe developer salary by education

To become a mainframe developer, you usually need at least a bachelor’s degree in software engineering, computer information systems, or a related field. According to Zippia, 76 percent of mainframe developers have a bachelor’s degree, 14 percent have a master’s, and 6 percent have an associate [6]. Here’s how education can impact the average COBOL developer salary [2]: 

• Associate degree: $84,352

• Bachelor’s degree: $93,369

• Master’s degree: $96,500

• Doctorate: $98,464

Salary for mainframe developer jobs by location

Location is another factor that impacts the average mainframe developer salary. Companies may have to compensate for varying living costs between areas and the local demand. If you live in a location with a high cost of living, you’ll require a higher salary than you would in a location with a lower cost of living to afford the same lifestyle.

Here are the average salaries for mainframe developers in various states, according to Zippia [2]:

Salaries according to experience: Entry-level mainframe developer salary to senior mainframe developer salary

Like other roles, as you work for several years as a mainframe developer, you may gain new skills and talents that make you more efficient at your job. At the same time, doing so can also help you grow your salary. Here’s how your level of experience impacts the average mainframe developer salary [1]:

• 0–1 years: $92,000

• 1–3 years: $101,000

• 4–6 years: $113,000

• 7–9 years: $121,000

• 10–14 years: $130,000

• 15 or more years: $138,000

All salary information represents the median total pay from Glassdoor as of November 2025. These figures include base salary and additional pay, which may represent profit-sharing, commissions, bonuses, or other compensation.

Salary for mainframe developer jobs by industry

Some of the highest-paying industries still employing mainframe developers include [2]: 

• Insurance: $96,137

• Automotive: $92,193

• Finance: $91,751

• Transportation: $91,246

• Technology: $86,805

How to start a mainframe developer career

To become a mainframe developer, employers require at least a bachelor’s degree in topics like computer science, electrical engineering, and relevant subjects. After graduation, you’ll need about three to four years of experience in an entry-level software development role before transitioning to a more specialized field like mainframe development. Gaining experience allows you to learn about standard industry procedures and new techniques while honing your skills.

While working in a software developer role, you can earn certifications or Professional Certificates related to mainframe development. Some options include the IBM Certified Administrator - Db2 12 for z/OS certification, which you can prepare for with the IBM z/OS Mainframe Practitioner Professional Certificate.

With experience and certifications, you'll be ready to start applying for mainframe developer roles. 

Read more: How to Become a Software Developer (With or Without a Degree)

Mainframe developer skills

Mainframe developers require a broad range of technical and workplace skills. Technical skills represent the practical aspects of your role, while workplace skills contribute to how productive you are in a work environment. Refining the following skills can help you advance in your career: 

Technical skills: 

• Data analysis and integration

• DB2

• Digital security

• Troubleshooting

• Programming languages

  • Assembler

  • COBOL

  • PL/I

  • C

  • C++

  • Java

  • CLIST

  • REXX™

Workplace skills: 

• Attention to detail

• Business operations

• Capacity management

• Communication

• Multitasking

• Problem-solving

• Teamwork

• Desire to learn

Strengthen your skills with practical learning tools

Discover more ways to grow by learning about the latest trends shaping your industry and subscribing to our LinkedIn newsletter, Career Chat. To keep exploring careers, skills, and concepts related to software development, check out these free resources:

• Test your skills: Front-End Development Skill Assessment 

• Watch on YouTube: Mastering the Code: Essential Skills Every Software Developer Needs 

• Hear from fellow learners: How One Software Developer’s Leadership Aspirations Led Her to Graduate School 

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