Your Complete Guide to Finding a Mainframe Job in 2025

The Hidden Hiring Crisis Creating Unprecedented Opportunities

Picture this: 91% of organizations that use Cobol and mainframes aim to mainframe system administrators or application developers within the next two years. Meanwhile, 79% of companies report that finding qualified mainframe talent is their single biggest challenge. The math is simple—if you have COBOL or mainframe skills, you're stepping into one of the most favorable job markets in technology.

But here's the problem: these opportunities are scattered. Unlike the JavaScript ecosystem where jobs flood LinkedIn and Indeed with clear titles and requirements, mainframe positions hide in plain sight. They're buried on federal job boards, tucked away in regional bank portals, listed with misleading titles, or posted by recruiters who barely understand what they're looking for. (This is why Backbone Jobs was created.)

This fragmentation creates a paradox. Companies desperately need talent while qualified developers struggle to find the right opportunities. Cameron Seay, technology evangelist, puts it bluntly: "Ask the IRS or Social Security or the state of North Carolina. They can't find anybody, and they need people. People are retiring every single day."

The mainframe modernization market is projected to grow from $8.39 billion in 2025 to $13.34 billion by 2030, driven by organizations deploying AI capabilities on their platforms. With 88% of organizations deploying or planning generative AI on the mainframe and 80% having shifted their modernization strategy in the past year, hiring needs have never been more urgent.

If you know where to look and how to position yourself, the opportunities are great. This guide shows you exactly how to navigate this fragmented market and land the right role for your career stage.

For a deeper understanding of why COBOL expertise offers such strong career prospects, see our comprehensive analysis in COBOL Jobs in 2025: Career Demand, Stability, and Future Outlook.

What's Driving the Mainframe Hiring Surge in 2025

Before diving into where to find jobs, understanding what employers actually need helps you position yourself effectively. The mainframe job market in 2025 isn't just about maintaining existing systems, it's about bridging them into modern architectures.

The retirement wave has reached crisis proportions. The average mainframe specialist is over 50 years old, with retirement on the horizon for many. Organizations need to start hiring and training professionals of a all levels in order to sustain their existing systems. Cross-training professionals experienced in other technologies and/or industries as well as investing in the new generation of developers by partnering with universities and other educators.

Remote work has expanded the geographic opportunity. Post-pandemic flexibility means you can work for a New York bank from Texas, or support a European insurance company from Singapore. This shift has made mainframe careers more accessible than ever, though many organizations still prefer hybrid arrangements for complex projects.

AI integration is creating entirely new roles. Organizations aren't just maintaining their mainframes; they're transforming them into real-time intelligence platforms. The IBM z17 can process 450 billion AI inference operations daily, turning transaction systems into decision engines. This creates demand for professionals who understand both traditional mainframe operations and modern AI/ML concepts.

Modernization projects are accelerating, not replacing systems. Companies are deploying AI-assisted code translation tools, integrating mainframes with cloud platforms, and implementing hybrid architectures. These projects require developers who can work across the stack—understanding COBOL while also knowing Java, Python, APIs, and cloud technologies.

The key insight: employers aren't just looking for people who know COBOL. They need professionals who can help modernize these systems safely while maintaining the reliability that makes mainframes indispensable.

Understanding Mainframe Roles: Which One Fits You?

The mainframe ecosystem includes several distinct career paths, each with different requirements and opportunities. Knowing which role matches your skills and interests helps you target your job search effectively.

COBOL/Mainframe Developers write, maintain, and enhance business applications. You'll work with COBOL, JCL, CICS, and DB2 to build and modify programs that process transactions, manage data, and implement business logic.This role suits those who enjoy problem-solving, working with data, and understanding business processes. Entry-level positions exist, especially in banking and insurance.

System Programmers (Sysprogs) manage the mainframe operating system itself—z/OS, performance tuning, security, system installations, and troubleshooting. This is specialist work requiring deep technical knowledge. Sysprog positions typically require several years of experience and command premium compensation. Federal opportunities with security clearances pay particularly well. This path suits those who love systems-level work and becoming deep technical experts.

Database Administrators specialize in DB2, IMS, or other mainframe database systems. You'll handle performance optimization, security, backup/recovery, and ensuring data integrity for mission-critical systems. Strong demand exists across all industries that use mainframes, with particular need in financial services. This role requires both technical depth and understanding of data architecture.

System Operators and Administrators monitor mainframe operations, manage batch jobs, handle incident response, and ensure system availability. This is often the most accessible entry point into mainframe careers. While sometimes less technical than development roles, good operators are invaluable and can transition into other specializations. Many organizations offer structured training programs for operators.

Modernization Specialists and Architects bridge existing systems with new architecture. You'll lead re-platforming projects, implement AI-assisted code conversion, integrate mainframes with cloud platforms, and design hybrid architectures. This is the fastest-growing segment, requiring both mainframe expertise and modern technology knowledge. These roles command the highest compensation and offer the most strategic influence.

Understanding your fit helps you search more effectively and know which skills to emphasize. Remote COBOL developer positions average $47-88/hour ($100,000 - $180,000 / year), while specialized roles and federal cleared positions can exceed $100/hour ($200,000+ / year). In Europe things look different with rates closer to €60,000 - €120,000/ year. Australia boasts number like AU$60,000 - AU$220,000+ depending on experience. In India current rates are around ₹23 Lakhs - ₹50 Lakhs / year.

Where to Find COBOL & Mainframe Jobs: A Regional Guide

COBOL demand extends globally, but opportunities cluster in specific regions with distinct characteristics. This section breaks down opportunities by geography, making it easy to find everything relevant to your location—job boards, key employers, salary ranges, role types, and remote work options—all in one place.

United States: The World's Largest Mainframe Job Market

The US hosts over half of the world's remaining mainframe installations, creating the deepest and highest-paying job market globally. Demand centers on financial services, insurance, federal/state government, healthcare, and payment processors.

Top Job Boards for US Mainframe/COBOL Professionals

• Backbone Jobs – High-signal, curated mainframe and COBOL listings across the entire stack. A job board dedicated to proven technologies with specialized filters and content. Salary transparency where available. If you're serious about mainframe and COBOL work, this should be your first stop.

• LinkedIn Jobs – Good for senior roles and modernization programs. Good salary transparency due to state laws (CA, NY, CO, Washington). The best opportunities are sometimes buried under mislabeled postings or under more “relevant”/sponsored listings for irrelevant technologies.

• Indeed – Broadest aggregator, particularly good for mid-level roles in banks, insurance, logistics, and energy. Sometimes surfaces positions from smaller companies that don't appear elsewhere. Search both "COBOL" and "mainframe" separately.

• Dice – Excels for contractors, system programmers, and cleared roles. Consistently shows high-paying contract opportunities that don't appear on general boards. Strong presence for federal and defense contractor positions.

• ClearanceJobs – Specialized board for federal and cleared work. If you're open to obtaining a security clearance or already have one, this represents a high-paying niche in the U.S. mainframe market. Government agencies desperately need mainframe expertise and pay premium rates.

• USAJobs.gov – Official federal government job board. Essential for direct federal employment (as opposed to contractor roles). Slower hiring process but excellent benefits and job security. Not a great user experience.

• State Government Portals – Many states post mainframe positions on their own career sites (Texas, New York, Virginia, Colorado particularly active). Often overlooked by job seekers.

Geographic Job Clusters

• New York Metro (including Jersey City): The epicenter of US mainframe work. Major banks, insurance companies, financial services firms cluster here. Highest concentration of senior and architect roles. Strong compensation but high cost of living.

• North Carolina (Charlotte/Raleigh): Massive banking presence (Bank of America headquarters in Charlotte, numerous regional banks). Growing tech hub with more affordable cost of living than NYC.

• Texas (Dallas, Austin): Financial services, insurance, healthcare, and energy companies. Austin seeing growth in modernization projects. Dallas has strong insurance and financial presence.

• Virginia (Richmond, Northern Virginia): Government contractors and federal agencies cluster in NoVa. Richmond has strong financial services presence. High demand for cleared positions.

• Ohio (Columbus): Insurance and financial services hub. Nationwide Insurance, Huntington Bank, and others maintain significant mainframe operations here.

• Arizona (Phoenix): Growing hub for financial services back-office operations and insurance. Lower cost of living attracting remote workers.

• Illinois (Chicago): Banking, insurance, and commodities trading. Historical mainframe stronghold with ongoing demand.

Remote opportunities increasingly available across all regions, though many employers prefer candidates within commuting distance for occasional office visits.

Key Employers by Industry

• Financial Services: Fiserv, Mastercard, American Express, Citi, Capital One, Truist, US Bank, Bank of New York Mellon (maintaining 343 million lines of COBOL code), JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, PNC Bank

• Insurance: Nationwide, State Farm, CVS Health, Aetna, Progressive, Liberty Mutual, Allstate

• Federal/Defense: Boeing, Northrop Grumman, SAIC, Leidos, CACI, plus direct government agencies (Social Security Administration, IRS, Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Justice)

• IT Services & Consulting: IBM, DXC, Accenture, Cognizant, Infosys, TCS, CGI, Capgemini

• Technology Vendors: Rocket Software, Broadcom, BMC Software

• Payment Processing: Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Broadridge

Role Types & Salary Ranges

• Entry-Level Developers ($65-100K annually): Focus on learning COBOL, JCL, CICS, DB2. Aim for a company that can provide structured training. Best opportunities: IBM Z Apprenticeships, Fiserv early-career programs, Rocket Software, government modernization initiatives in Texas, Virginia, New York, and Colorado.

• Mid-Career Developers ($100-140K annually): Maintain and enhance existing applications, participate in modernization projects. Expected to work independently with minimal supervision.

• Senior Developers/Architects ($140-180K+ annually): Lead modernization initiatives, design hybrid architectures, mentor junior staff. Hybrid skills (Java, Python, cloud platforms) command premium.

• System Programmers ($110-160K annually): Manage z/OS, performance tuning, security. Specialized role requiring deep technical expertise.

• Cleared Federal Positions (15-25% premium over commercial rates): Government agencies and defense contractors pay significantly more for active security clearances. Senior cleared mainframe architects can exceed $200K.

• Contract/Hourly Rates: Developers $48-88/hour, System Programmers $65-110/hour, Senior Architects $85-140/hour. Again, cleared roles command higher rates.

Remote Mainframe and COBOL Opportunities

Strong remote availability: United States leads globally in genuine remote mainframe positions. Post-pandemic shift has normalized remote work, though many employers prefer "remote-hybrid" (occasional office visits).

A few companies consistently offering US remote positions:

• Rocket Software (fully distributed teams)

• CVS Health (large-scale remote hiring)

• Mastercard (hybrid/remote depending on role)

• Broadridge (strong remote program)

• IBM (select roles, team-dependent)

• Broadcom (distributed workforce)

• DXC Technology (remote project opportunities)

Reality check: Many "remote" listings mean "remote within commuting distance for quarterly meetings" or "remote after 3-6 month onsite training period." Always clarify expectations during interviews.

Canada: Banking Sector with Work-Life Balance

Canada's banking sector maintains substantial mainframe operations with excellent work-life balance, comprehensive benefits, and stable employment. Smaller market than the US but quality opportunities with less competitive pressure.

Top Job Boards for Canadian Mainframe/COBOL Professionals

• LinkedIn Jobs – Strongest platform for Canadian mainframe roles, particularly senior positions

• Indeed Canada – Broad aggregator, good for mid-level banking and insurance roles

• Eluta – Canadian-specific job board that aggregates positions from company career sites

• JobBank.gc.ca – Federal government positions, essential for public sector work

• Backbone Jobs 🚀 – Growing Canadian listings, particularly for remote roles

Geographic Job Clusters

• Toronto: Financial services capital, highest concentration of mainframe work. Major banks headquarters. Higher cost of living but highest salaries.

• Montreal: Strong presence in insurance and financial services. Bilingual (French/English) often preferred but not always required for technical roles.

• Calgary: Energy sector and financial services. Lower cost of living than Toronto.

• Vancouver: Banking and insurance back-office operations. Growing tech presence.

Key Employers

• Banking: RBC, TD Bank, Scotiabank, BMO, CIBC

• Insurance: Sun Life, Manulife, Great-West Life

• Government: Canada Revenue Agency, various provincial agencies

• IT Services: IBM Canada, DXC, CGI (Canadian-based global firm)

Role Types & Salary Ranges

• Entry-Level Developers (CAD $55-70K): Training programs through major banks

• Mid-Career Developers (CAD $75-105K): Maintain and enhance banking systems

• Senior Developers/Architects (CAD $125-175K): Lead modernization, mentor teams

• System Programmers (CAD $90-135K): z/OS administration and performance tuning

Canadian salaries are lower than US in absolute terms but offer better work-life balance, universal healthcare, and strong job protection. Cost of living varies significantly by city.

Remote Work Opportunities

Moderate remote availability: Canadian banks have been slower to adopt full remote than US counterparts, typically preferring hybrid models. Remote mainframe roles exist primarily through:

• IT services firms (IBM, DXC, CGI)

• US companies hiring Canadian residents

• Specialized vendor roles (Rocket Software, Broadcom)

Many positions require occasional office presence in main hubs like Toronto or Montreal.

United Kingdom & Ireland: Banking & Aviation Stronghold

British financial institutions and airlines maintain significant mainframe operations with active hiring, particularly in London, Manchester, and Dublin, with some companies hiring in Edinburgh and Bristol, as well. In general, this region has a strong contract market with good hourly rates.

Top Job Boards for UK/Ireland Mainframe/COBOL Professionals

• CWJobs – Excellent for mainframe positions, both permanent and contract. Strong technical focus.

• JobServe – Particularly strong for contractors. Consistently surfaces contract opportunities that don't appear elsewhere.

• Reed – Large UK recruiter with good permanent position coverage

• LinkedIn Jobs – Strong for senior roles and modernization programs

• Indeed UK – Broad aggregator for mid-level positions

• Irish Jobs (Ireland) – Dominant in Irish market for Dublin-based positions

• Backbone Jobs - Aims to be the first stop for mainframe and COBOL professionals by 2027

Geographic Job Clusters

• London: Financial services epicenter, highest concentration and compensation. High cost of living.

• Manchester: Growing fintech presence, lower cost of living than London

• Edinburgh: Banking and financial services, particularly insurance

• Dublin: Tech hub with US companies (European headquarters), strong banking presence, growing rapidly

Key Employers

• Banking: Lloyds Banking Group, HSBC, NatWest, Barclays, Santander UK, AIB (Ireland), Bank of Ireland

• Insurance: Aviva, Legal & General, Prudential

• Airlines: British Airways, Aer Lingus

• Telecommunications: BT Group

• IT Services: DXC, Accenture, IBM, Fujitsu

Role Types & Salary Ranges

• Entry-Level Developers (£25-35K): Graduate programs at major banks

• Mid-Career Developers (£40-60K): Maintain banking and insurance systems

• Senior Developers/Architects (£60-85K+): Lead modernization initiatives

• Contractors (£300-600/day): Very strong contract market, experienced contractors can command premium day rates

Contract work seems to be particularly common in UK for mainframe and COBOL professionals. Many professionals prefer contracting for higher take-home pay despite less job security.

Remote Work Opportunities

Moderate to strong remote availability: Post-Brexit and post-pandemic, UK companies increasingly open to remote work, though major banks often prefer hybrid arrangements.

Companies offering remote positions:

• DXC, IBM, Accenture (consulting firms most flexible)

• Vendor roles (Rocket Software, Broadcom)

Many positions expect 2-3 days per week in London offices, with remote for remaining days.

Germany & DACH Region: Modernization-Focused Market

German banks and insurers are actively modernizing COBOL applications while maintaining infrastructure. Strong opportunities for hybrid-skilled developers who understand both existing foundations and modern systems.

Top Job Boards for German/DACH COBOL Professionals

• StepStone – Leading German job board, strong corporate presence. Lacks filters that can be particularly useful to COBOL and mainframe professionals

• Indeed Germany – Broad aggregator for German market

• LinkedIn Jobs – Good for senior and modernization roles. However, it can be difficult to find relevant jobs due to mis-labelling or unclear job titles.

• Stack Overflow Jobs – Occasionally features mainframe positions

• Xing – German professional network, sometimes has exclusive listings. It’s being used less and less.

• Backbone Jobs - Occasional listings. We aim to ramp up listings in this region.

Geographic Job Clusters

• Frankfurt: Financial capital, banking epicenter. Highest mainframe concentration.

• Munich: Insurance companies, technology firms. High cost of living.

• Zurich/Geneva (Switzerland): Banking, insurance. Highest European salaries but very high cost of living.

• Vienna (Austria): Banking and insurance, lower cost of living than Switzerland

Key Employers

• German Banks: Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank, DZ Bank, KfW

• Insurance: Allianz, Munich Re, Talanx, R+V Versicherung

• Automotive Financial Services: Volkswagen Financial Services, BMW Financial Services, Daimler Financial Services

• Swiss Banks: UBS, Credit Suisse, Julius Baer

• Airlines: Lufthansa Systems (technology subsidiary)

• IT Services: IBA Group, GFT Technologies, Accenture, IBM

Role Types & Salary Ranges

• Entry-Level Developers (€40-55K): Training programs, particularly at large insurers

• Mid-Career Developers (€55-80K): Maintain and modernize banking systems

• Senior Developers/Architects (€80-125K): Lead modernization initiatives, hybrid architecture

• Swiss Salaries: 30-50% higher than Germany (CHF 90-140K range) but offset by cost of living

German employers particularly value structured training, certifications, and formal qualifications. Ausbildung (apprenticeship) programs are quite common, which is good for people just getting started in mainframe and COBOL.

Remote Work Opportunities

Limited but growing: German work culture traditionally values office presence. Remote work increasing post-pandemic but most positions expect significant onsite presence (3-4 days/week).

Remote exceptions:

• IT consulting firms like Accenture are usually more flexible

• Vendor roles (SAP, Rocket Software, Broadcom)

Switzerland particularly prefers onsite work. Austrian companies are somewhat more flexible than their German or Swiss counterparts.

Nordic Countries: Progressive Training Culture

Huge mainframe concentration in banking with notably progressive approach to talent development. Best work-life balance globally with strong social benefits.

Top Job Boards for Nordic Mainframe/COBOL Professionals

• LinkedIn Jobs – Strong across all Nordic countries. Again, sometimes difficult to find the golden nuggets due to noise

• Indeed Nordics – Growing presence in region but not as established as their domestic competitors

• Finn.no (Norway) – Dominant Norwegian job board

• Jobindex.dk (Denmark) – Leading Danish platform

• Monster.se (Sweden) – Swedish job market

• TE-Palvelut (Finland) – Finnish public employment service

• Backbone Jobs - Working on scaling our presence

Geographic Job Clusters

Stockholm (Sweden): Financial services hub, largest Nordic market Copenhagen (Denmark): Banking and fintech, Bankdata headquarters Oslo (Norway): Oil/gas financial services, banking Helsinki (Finland): Smaller market but quality opportunities

Key Employers

Swedish Banks: SEB (has run internal COBOL bootcamps together with Brights Learning & Academic Work!), Swedbank, Handelsbanken, Nordea (cross-Nordic) Danish Banks: Danske Bank, Bankdata (operating 70+ million lines of mainframe code), Jyske Bank Norwegian Banks: DNB, Nordea Norway, SpareBank 1 Finnish Banks: OP Financial Group, Nordea Finland IT Services: TietoEVRY, Knowit, CGI

Role Types & Salary Ranges

• Entry-Level Developers (€35-50K / SEK 400-550K): Excellent training programs, particularly SEB bootcamp

• Mid-Career Developers (€50-75K / SEK 550-800K): Strong work-life balance, comprehensive benefits

• Senior Developers/Architects (€75-130K / SEK 800K-1.4M): Lead modernization, mentor teams

Nordic countries offer lower absolute salaries than US but include universal healthcare, extensive parental leave, 5-6 weeks vacation, strong union protection, and excellent work-life balance. Cost of living high but quality of life exceptional.

Remote Work Opportunities

Limited: Nordic companies traditionally value team collaboration and office culture. Remote work exists but typically hybrid models (2-3 days office, 2-3 days remote).

Remote opportunities primarily through:

• IT consulting firms

• Vendor positions (Rocket Software, Broadcom)

• International companies with Nordic offices

Benelux: Banking & Government Modernization

Strong modernization market with banking and government agencies actively hiring. Smaller markets but quality opportunities with good work-life balance.

Top Job Boards for Benelux Mainframe/COBOL Professionals

• Nationale Vacaturebank (Netherlands) – Leading Dutch job board

• StepStone Benelux – Strong corporate coverage across Netherlands/Belgium

• LinkedIn Jobs – Good for senior and modernization roles

• Indeed Netherlands/Belgium – Broad aggregator

• VDAB (Belgium) – Flemish public employment service

• Indeed Luxembourg – Smaller market but banking opportunities

Geographic Job Clusters

• Amsterdam: Banking and fintech hub

• Brussels: EU institutions, banking, insurance

• Rotterdam: Financial services, logistics

• Luxembourg City: Private banking, investment management (high salaries)

Key Employers

• Dutch Banks: ING, Rabobank, ABN AMRO, de Volksbank

• Belgian Banks: KBC, Belfius, BNP Paribas Fortis

• Insurance: NN Group, Aegon, Athora

• Government: Dutch tax authority (Belastingdienst), Belgian federal agencies, EU institutions

• IT Services: Atos, Capgemini, Ordina

Role Types & Salary Ranges

• Entry-Level Developers (€35-48K): Training programs at major banks

• Mid-Career Developers (€48-70K): Maintain and modernize systems

• Senior Developers/Architects (€70-95K): Lead modernization initiatives

• Luxembourg (significantly higher): €55-120K range, banking center with premium salaries

Remote Work Opportunities

Moderate availability: Dutch companies particularly open to remote/hybrid work. Belgian companies more traditional but adapting. Luxembourg typically prefers onsite presence.

India: Outsourcing Hub with High Volume Entry-Level Opportunities

India represents the world's second-largest mainframe workforce, primarily driven by IT services companies supporting global clients. Massive volume of entry-level positions available.

Top Job Boards for Indian Mainframe/COBOL Professionals

• Naukri – Dominant job board in India, essential for any Indian job search

• LinkedIn India – Good for senior roles and MNC positions

• Indeed India – Broad aggregator, many IT services company postings

• Monster India – Traditional job board with mainframe presence

• Shine – Growing platform with IT focus

• Company Career Sites – TCS, Infosys, Wipro, Cognizant post heavily on own sites

• Backbone Jobs - Frequent listings and specialized filters. Growing presence

Geographic Job Clusters

• Bangalore: Technology capital, highest concentration of mainframe work, all major IT services companies

• Pune: Growing hub, many global capability centers, lower cost of living than Bangalore

• Chennai: Traditional IT hub, strong mainframe presence

• Hyderabad: Major IT center, growing mainframe opportunities

• Gurgaon/Noida (NCR): National capital region, many corporate back offices

Key Employers

• Indian IT Services: TCS (largest mainframe workforce globally), Infosys, Wipro, HCL Technologies, Tech Mahindra, LTI Mindtree, Mphasis

• Multinational IT Services: Cognizant, Capgemini India, IBM India, DXC Technology, Accenture

• Global Capability Centers: Many US/European banks maintain development centers in India

• Product Companies: Smaller presence but growing

Role Types & Salary Ranges

• Entry-Level Developers (₹8-15 lakhs): Massive hiring volumes, structured training provided, many opportunities for fresh graduates

• Mid-Career Developers (₹15-40 lakhs): L2/L3 support, modernization projects, client-facing roles

• Senior Developers/Technical Leads (₹40-50 lakhs): Lead teams, architect solutions, client engagement

• Architects/Managers (₹40-80+ lakhs): Strategic roles, large team management

Note: Indian salaries are lower in absolute terms but competitive domestically. Cost of living significantly lower than Western markets. Many professionals gain experience in India then transition to international opportunities with higher compensation.

Role Patterns

Heavy focus on:

• L2/L3 production support (24/7 shifts common)

• Modernization projects (replatforming, refactoring, hybrid cloud integration)

• Application maintenance and enhancement

• Testing and quality assurance for mainframe applications

• Many entry-level COBOL + DB2 developer roles with training provided

Work culture: Demanding with tight deadlines and client expectations. Shift work common for US/European client support. High pressure but excellent learning opportunities.

Remote Work Opportunities

Increasingly available: Post-pandemic, Indian IT companies have embraced hybrid and remote work. Many positions now offer work-from-home flexibility, though expectations vary by project and client.

Remote patterns:

• Full remote after initial training period

• Hybrid models (3 days office, 2 days home)

• Project-dependent flexibility

• International projects often more flexible than domestic

Australia & New Zealand: Quality Over Volume

Limited volume compared to other markets but strong demand and excellent quality of life. Banking and telecommunications maintain significant mainframe presence.

Top Job Boards for Australian/NZ Mainframe/COBOL Professionals

• Seek – Dominant Australian job board, essential for any Australian search

• LinkedIn Jobs – Good for senior roles and multinational companies

• Indeed AU – Broad aggregator, surfaces smaller company positions

• Jora – Australian aggregator with good coverage

• CareerOne – Traditional Australian job board

• Trade Me Jobs (New Zealand) – Leading NZ job platform

• Backbone Jobs - Presence is still growing with occasional listings

Geographic Job Clusters

• Sydney: Financial services capital, highest concentration of mainframe work

• Melbourne: Banking, insurance, government, growing tech scene

• Brisbane: Banking back-office operations, lower cost of living

• Perth: Mining and resources financial systems

• Auckland (NZ): Banking and government, smaller market

• Wellington (NZ): Government agencies, Inland Revenue

Key Employers

• Australian Banks: ANZ, NAB (National Australia Bank), Commonwealth Bank, Westpac, Macquarie

• New Zealand Banks: ANZ NZ, ASB, Westpac NZ, BNZ

• Airlines: Qantas, Air New Zealand

• Telecommunications: Telstra, Optus

• Government: Government of NSW, Victoria, Queensland, Inland Revenue NZ, various agencies

• IT Services: Datacom (NZ-based), DXC, IBM, Accenture

Role Types & Salary Ranges

• Entry-Level Developers (AUD $60-75K / NZD $65-80K): Graduate programs at banks, excellent training

• Mid-Career Developers (AUD $85-120K / NZD $90-125K): Maintain banking and telecom systems

• Senior Developers/Architects (AUD $120-160K / NZD $125-165K): Lead modernization, mentor teams

• Contractors (AUD $600-1000/day): Strong contract market for experienced professionals

Australian/NZ markets offer excellent quality of life, good work-life balance, and stable employment. Smaller talent pool means less competition but also fewer total opportunities.

Remote Work Opportunities

Moderate availability: Australian companies increasingly open to remote work, particularly after pandemic. New Zealand companies similar but smaller market means fewer total remote positions.

Remote opportunities often through:

• IBM Australia/NZ (supporting global projects)

• Rocket Software (vendor with distributed teams)

• Accenture, DXC (consulting firms)

• Some positions supporting US/European clients from APAC timezone

Global Remote-First Opportunities for Mainframe & Cobol Professionals

For those prioritizing 100% remote work regardless of location, certain companies and role types offer genuine location flexibility. Understanding which companies authentically support distributed work helps focus your search.

Specialized Remote Job Boards

• FlexJobs – Curated remote positions, growing mainframe section, subscription-based but high quality

• Working Nomads – Free remote job board with occasional mainframe listings

• Remote.co – Remote-focused job board with IT sections (mainframe and COBOL is rare)

• Backbone Jobs – Actively working providing the largest selection for remote mainframe and COBOL positions

Companies with Genuinely Distributed Mainframe Teams

• Rocket Software – Leading mainframe vendor with fully distributed workforce across continents. Genuinely remote-friendly culture that predates pandemic. Hires globally for various roles.

• Broadcom – Large mainframe tools vendor with distributed teams. Remote positions across support, development, and consulting.

• Corpay (formerly Fleetcor) – Payment technology company with remote COBOL opportunities, primarily US-based.

• CVS Health – Large-scale remote hiring for mainframe support and development, US-focused.

• Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac – Government-sponsored entities with remote developer positions, US-only.

• Broadridge – Financial technology with strong remote developer program, primarily US and some international.

IT Services Firms (Project-Dependent):

• DXC Technology – Global projects with remote flexibility

• Accenture – Consulting firm, varies by project and client

• IBM – Select roles and teams, increasingly remote options

• Cognizant, Infosys, TCS, Wipro – Indian IT services like Tata Consulting Services, Tech Mahindra, etc. with growing remote flexibility

Reality Check on Remote Listings for Mainframe and COBOL

Many "remote" postings have hidden limitations:

• "Remote within commuting distance" – Expect quarterly or monthly office visits

• "Remote after training" – Initial 3-6 months onsite required

• "Remote with occasional travel" – Can mean weekly, monthly, or quarterly

• Geographic restrictions – "Must be located in [specific states/countries]"

• Equipment policies – Some provide full setup, others expect you to supply

Always clarify during interviews:

• Is this 100% remote permanently?

• What's the expected office presence frequency?

• Are there geographic or timezone restrictions?

• Is equipment/home office support provided?

• What's the company culture around remote work (established practice or new experiment)?

Remote Position Salary Expectations

Remote COBOL positions typically pay:

• Developers: $47-72/hour (US contractors), $65-120K salary (US employees)

• Senior Developers: $72-110/hour (contractors), $95-170K salary

• Architects: $95-140/hour (contractors), $150-200K+ salary

Remote positions sometimes pay 10-20% less than equivalent onsite roles in major metro areas but eliminate commuting costs and geographic relocation. For candidates outside major tech hubs, remote positions often represent significant increases over local opportunities.

Positioning Yourself for Remote Work

Companies hiring remote mainframe developers prioritize:

• Self-direction and autonomy – Demonstrated ability to work independently without constant supervision

• Communication skills – Proactive updates, clear documentation, responsive to messages

• Established track record – Remote work experience in any field strengthens applications

• Time zone compatibility – Willingness to work during client business hours

• Technical setup – Reliable internet, professional workspace, appropriate equipment

What to emphasize in applications:

• Previous remote work experience (even if not mainframe-related)

• Strong written communication examples

• Documentation practices (creating technical docs, knowledge transfer)

• Proactive communication style

• Self-starter examples (projects completed with minimal supervision)

How Do I Get My First COBOL Job? Entry-Level Opportunities by Region

Breaking into mainframe work without experience requires knowing which organizations invest in training and where structured programs exist. The landscape varies dramatically by region.

United States Entry Points

Structured apprenticeship programs:

• IBM Z Apprenticeships: Multi-month programs specifically designed for people new to mainframes, combining classroom learning with paid work experience

• Kyndryl: Adding 100 early professional hires annually to mainframe teams, offers structured onboarding

• Fiserv: Early-career programs for financial technology, includes mainframe tracks

• Government agencies: Many federal and state modernization programs hire entry-level developers with training provided (Texas, Virginia, New York, Colorado particularly active)

Companies hiring entry-level developers:

• KeyBank: Explicitly advertises entry-level mainframe positions in their Hogan banking environment

• Auto-Owners Insurance (Lansing, MI): Provides full training with no previous programming experience required

• The Cigna Group: Technology Development Program with dedicated mainframe track

• American National: Entry-level developer positions with foundational programming training

What these programs look for: Basic programming aptitude (any language), analytical thinking, willingness to learn, often a degree in computer science or related field (though not always required). Strong communication skills matter more than you'd expect—legacy systems require working with business stakeholders who've used these systems for decades.

Timeline expectations: Most entry-level programs involve 6-12 months of intensive training before you're fully productive. Organizations understand this and build it into their planning.

Nordic Countries: Best Training Infrastructure

Swedbank, Nordea, and Danske Bank invest heavily in training programs, though SEB's bootcamp may be the most structured and accessible.

United Kingdom & Ireland

What makes UK entry-level hiring unique: Universities are beginning to bring mainframe skills back to the curriculum, creating a pipeline of graduates with at least exposure to the technology. Banks and insurance companies partner with these programs.

Entry-level employers: Lloyds, NatWest, Aviva, major IT services firms (DXC, Accenture, CGI).

India: Volume Entry-Level Opportunities

Massive entry-level hiring: Indian IT services companies hire large cohorts of fresh graduates and provide structured training programs. This represents one of the largest volumes of entry-level mainframe positions globally.

Key recruiters: TCS, Infosys, Wipro, Cognizant, HCL all run fresher training programs. These typically involve 3-6 months of intensive classroom training followed by project assignment.

What they look for: Engineering degree (computer science, IT, or related), strong academic performance, willingness to learn, and English communication skills.

Australia: Apprenticeship Model

Unique Australian approach: Some organizations in Australia have built internal universities to create their own mainframers, hiring highly qualified graduates and training them on IBM Z platforms. This apprenticeship model has proven highly successful.

Key employers: Major banks (ANZ, NAB, Commonwealth, Westpac), Datacom, government agencies.

Getting Hired: Insider Tips from Industry Professionals

Understanding what actually works in mainframe job hunting—beyond just applying to postings—significantly improves your success rate.

For Career Changers and Mid-Career Professionals:

The mainframe community recognizes that mid-career professionals are essential to the future, filling the critical gap between new graduates and industry veterans nearing retirement. Organizations are actively seeking working technologists with 10-30 years of experience willing to transition into mainframe roles.

Smart organizations "expand their candidate pools, recruiting people who are changing career paths or industries. While these recruits might not have all the skills yet, they have the potential to bring immense value with the right support."

What this means practically: If you have strong programming experience in any language, logical thinking, and willingness to learn, many organizations will train you. Emphasize your transferable skills like debugging complex systems, working with databases, understanding business processes, handling production support pressure.

Positioning Your Application Successfully:

For entry-level: Emphasize analytical thinking, any programming experience (even academic), problem-solving examples, and genuine interest in understanding business processes. Don't apologize for lack of COBOL experience if applying to training programs, they expect that. Do emphasize your learning agility and examples of quickly mastering new technical concepts.

For experienced developers without mainframe background: Frame it as "expanding my expertise to include critical enterprise systems" rather than casually "learning a new technology." Highlight how your modern development experience (CI/CD, testing, documentation, Agile) can help modernize mainframe practices and team processes. Organizations desperately need people who can bridge “legacy” and modern worlds.

For mainframe developers seeking better opportunities: Emphasize hybrid modernization skills if you have them (Java, Python, cloud platforms, APIs). Show business impact ("reduced batch window by 40%," "optimized query reduced processing time by 3 hours daily"). Quantify your experience ("maintained 500K lines of code," "supported 200M transactions daily").

Timeline Expectations:

Application to interview: 1-3 weeks typically, though government positions can take 4-8 weeks Interview process: Usually 2-3 rounds (phone screen, technical interview, final round) Offer to start: 2-4 weeks for private sector, 4-12 weeks for government/cleared positions Training period: 6-12 months before full productivity

Red Flags vs. Green Flags in Job Descriptions:

Red flags:

• "Must have 10+ years COBOL experience" with entry-level pay

• Extremely outdated technology stack with no mention of current tools or willingness to adapt

• Unclear about remote work policy or demanding 5 days onsite with no justification

Green flags:

• Mentions active community engagement and initiatives

• Clear career path described

• Investment in training and professional development

• Structured onboarding program

• Hybrid approach to existing and newer technologies

Negotiation Leverage:

You have more leverage than you think. "The right talent is the greatest competitive advantage there is for an organization – and that talent is getting scarcer every day," according to Alan Guarino, vice chairman of Korn Ferry.

With 79% of companies struggling to find mainframe talent and 91% planning to hire within two years, you're in a seller's market. Don't be afraid to negotiate salary, remote flexibility, training budget, or other benefits. Companies understand they need to compete for scarce talent.

The Application Strategy That Works:

Don't just apply to everything. Research the company, understand their mainframe environment if possible, and craft targeted applications showing you understand their specific challenges. A thoughtful cover letter mentioning their modernization initiatives or technology stack stands out dramatically in a field where most applicants spam generic resumes. Remember that the people hiring for these roles may be used to a different way of operating compared to your venture-backed 50 people startup that launched 6 months ago.

Follow up thoughtfully. Mainframe hiring often moves slower than other tech roles because decision-makers are busy keeping critical systems running. A polite check-in after a week or two shows persistence without being annoying.

Your Next Steps: Where to Start Based on Your Situation

The path forward depends on where you are in your career journey:

If you're completely new to tech: Start with entry-level training programs at IBM, Kyndryl, or government agencies. Consider online bootcamps. Don't wait for "perfect" qualifications, these programs are designed for people learning from scratch. Apply to 5-10 entry-level postings emphasizing your analytical thinking, problem-solving, and willingness to learn.

If you're a developer in other languages: You have excellent prospects. Research which industries interest you (banking, insurance, government), then apply to roles emphasizing your ability to bridge existing and modern systems. Target hybrid roles that need both mainframe and modern skills. Consider getting basic COBOL familiarity through free online resources before applying—it shows initiative.

If you have some mainframe experience but want better opportunities: Update your skills in hybrid technologies (Java, Python, cloud platforms, common modern tools). Position yourself for modernization specialist or architect roles. Look at consulting firms and vendors (Rocket, Broadcom, IBM) that work across multiple clients. Consider cleared federal work for significant pay increases.

If you're actively job hunting right now:

1. Set up accounts and job alerts on Backbone Jobs, LinkedIn, and two regional-appropriate boards

2. Apply to 10-15 positions that genuinely match your experience level

3. Customize each application—mention the company's specific technology stack or modernization initiatives

4. Follow up on applications after 7-10 days with polite inquiry

Geographic considerations: If you're willing to relocate or work remotely, you have far more options. The US market offers the highest volume and compensation (however obtaining a visa can prove difficult). Nordic countries offer the best work-life balance and structured training. India offers the most entry-level positions. Choose based on your priorities.

The mainframe job market is fragmented and sometimes frustrating to navigate, but the opportunities are genuine and substantial.

The systems aren't going anywhere. The question is whether you'll develop the expertise to work on them. If you've read this far, you're already ahead of most people who don't even know these opportunities exist.

Additional Resources

For deeper understanding of why COBOL careers offer exceptional stability and what the market looks like in 2025, read our comprehensive analysis: COBOL Jobs in 2025: Career Demand, Stability, and Future Outlook

Stay updated on new COBOL and mainframe opportunities by visiting Backbone Jobs regularly—we curate the highest-quality positions across all experience levels and geographies.

Sources & References

1. Planet Mainframe: Unlocking Mainframe Talent - Skills, Mentorship, and Hiring Trends

2. Franklin Skills: Mainframe Talent Crisis

3. Ensono: The Mainframe Branding Problem and Its Impact on Skills Shortage

4. Gestalt IT: What's Causing a Skills Shortage in Mainframe?

5. TechChannel: Recruiting Untapped Mainframe Talent

6. CIO: There's a Mainframe Skills Gap - Here Are Three Ways to Address It

7. Per Scholas: The Mainframe Talent Gap - 7 Numbers Tech Leaders Need To Know