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Intermediate Mainframe Programmer Salary in the United States

How much does an Intermediate Mainframe Programmer make in the United States?

As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for an Intermediate Mainframe Programmer in the United States is $83,000 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.

However, an Intermediate Mainframe Programmer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $95,800
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $75,000 to $89,700
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $67,716
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View as table View as graph 25% $75,000 10% $67,716 90% $95,800 75% $89,700 $83,000 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Intermediate Mainframe Programmer Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary		 Monthly
Pay		 Weekly
Pay		 Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $89,700 $7,475 $1,725 $43
Average $83,000 $6,917 $1,596 $40
25th Percentile $75,000 $6,250 $1,442 $36
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Key Factors That Influence Intermediate Mainframe Programmer Salaries

An Intermediate Mainframe Programmer's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Intermediate Mainframe Programmer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Intermediate Mainframe Programmer's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $80,373
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $80,612
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $83,500
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $86,300
  • Expert (over 8 years): $86,500
Levels Salary
Entry Level Intermediate Mainframe Programmer$80,373
Intermediate Level Intermediate Mainframe Programmer$80,612
Senior Level Intermediate Mainframe Programmer$83,500
Specialist Level Intermediate Mainframe Programmer$86,300
Expert Level Intermediate Mainframe Programmer$86,500
$80,373 0 yr
$80,612 < 2 yrs
$83,500 2-4 yrs
$86,300 5-8 yrs
$86,500 > 8 yrs
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Intermediate Mainframe Programmers

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $104,600
  • San Francisco: $103,600
  • Oakland: $101,300

What Skills Can Increase an Intermediate Mainframe Programmer's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Commitment (Mentioned in 28.74% Job Postings): An agreement or pledge to do something in the future a commitment to improve conditions at the prison especially : an engagement to assume a financial obligation at a future date.
  • Computer Science (Mentioned in 2.72% Job Postings): Computer science is the study of computation, automation, and information. Computer science spans theoretical disciplines (such as algorithms, theory of computation, information theory, and automation) to practical disciplines.
  • Software Development (Mentioned in 1.19% Job Postings): Software development is the process of conceiving, specifying, designing, programming, documenting, testing, and bug fixing involved in creating and maintaining applications, frameworks, or other software components. Software development is a process of writing and maintaining the source code, but in a broader sense, it includes all that is involved between the conception of the desired software through to the final manifestation of the software, sometimes in a planned and structured process. Therefore, software development may include research, new development, prototyping, modification, reuse, re-engineering, maintenance, or any other activities that result in software products. Software can be developed for a variety of purposes, the three most common being to meet specific needs of a specific client/business (the case with custom software), to meet a perceived need of some set of potential users (the case with commercial and open source software), or for personal use (e.g. a scientist may write software to automate a mundane task). Embedded software development, that is, the development of embedded software, such as used for controlling consumer products, requires the development process to be integrated with the development of the controlled physical product. System software underlies applications and the programming process itself, and is often developed separately.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Commitment 28.74%
Computer Science 2.72%
Software Development 1.19%
What skills can make your compensation higher?
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on an Intermediate Mainframe Programmer's salary.
  • Network Design: Can increase your salary by up to 19%.
  • Process Management: Can increase your salary by up to 12%.
  • Project Management: Can increase your salary by up to 8%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Network Design
 $98,770
19%
Process Management
 $92,960
12%
Project Management
 $89,640
8%
SMTP
 $88,810
7%
Commitment
 $88,810
7%
Leadership
 $88,810
7%
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How Education impacts an Intermediate Mainframe Programmer's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Intermediate Mainframe Programmers enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Intermediate Mainframe Programmer with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $76,222 and $81,948).

Intermediate Mainframe Programmer Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Intermediate Mainframe Programmer
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 16.1%
High School 16.1%
Associates 16.1%
Bachelors 51.6%
Masters 16.1%
Doctorate 0.0%
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Intermediate Mainframe Programmer Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Intermediate Mainframe Programmer's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Hourly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Yearly
  • Table View
Last Updated on January 01, 2026
$75,000
Average $83,000/year
$89,700
$6,250
Average $6,917/month
$7,475
$1,442
Average $1,596/week
$1,725
$36
Average $40/hour
$43
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $89,700 $7,475 $1,725 $43
Average $83,000 $6,917 $1,596 $40
25th Percentile $75,000 $6,250 $1,442 $36

Intermediate Mainframe Programmer Salary Growth & Career Path

Intermediate Mainframe Programmer
Application Programmer Analyst III
Software Research and Design Architect III
Backend Applications Developer III
Full Stack Engineer Senior
Applications Programming Project Supervisor
VP of Software Research and Design Architecture
Backend Applications Developer IV
Full Stack Engineer Specialist

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Intermediate Mainframe Programmer, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

Intermediate Mainframe Programmer Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Application Programmer Analyst III $122,600 48%
Software Research and Design Architect III $128,700 55%
Backend Applications Developer III $125,200 51%
Full Stack Engineer Senior $128,400 55%

Salaries of jobs related to Intermediate Mainframe Programmer

Salary Trends for Intermediate Mainframe Programmer

Salaries for an Intermediate Mainframe Programmer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $102,587 in 2023 to around $102,443 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Intermediate Mainframe Programmer salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Intermediate Mainframe Programmer Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$102,587
2024
$103,560
2025
$102,443
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
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2023 $102,587
2024 $103,560
2025 $102,443
2026
View More
2027
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Most common benefits for Intermediate Mainframe Programmer

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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FAQ about Intermediate Mainframe Programmer

1. What is the salary of 2 year experience in mainframe?

The salary for an Intermediate Mainframe Programmer with 2 years of experience typically ranges from ₹72,000 to ₹94,700, with a mid-salary of ₹81,900. This reflects the competitive compensation in the field, aligning with industry standards for similar experience levels.

2. Are mainframe programmers still in demand?

Yes, mainframe programmers are still in demand due to the critical role they play in maintaining legacy systems for many large organizations. With a salary range from $72,000 to $94,700, these professionals are essential for ensuring the stability and efficiency of mainframe operations, making their skills highly sought after in the job market.

3. What is the salary of mainframe developer for 10 years experience?

The salary for an Intermediate Mainframe Programmer with around 10 years of experience typically ranges from ₹72,000 to ₹94,700 annually. This reflects the growing demand and expertise in the field, with a mid-salary of approximately ₹81,900.

4. How much does a mainframe developer at US Bank make?

A mainframe developer at US Bank typically earns between $72,000 and $94,700 annually, with a median salary of around $81,900. This range reflects the competitive nature of the field, influenced by factors such as experience and location.

5. Which developer has highest salary in US?

Intermediate Mainframe Programmers in the US earn a salary range of $72,000 to $94,700, with a median salary of $81,900. While this is competitive, it is lower than the average salaries for Python software engineers, who can earn between $104,000 and $200,000 due to high demand for their skills in various applications.

6. Does mainframe pay well?

Yes, mainframe programmers can earn a competitive salary. The salary data indicates that the minimum salary is $72,000, the mid-range salary is $81,900, and the maximum salary reaches $94,700. This range reflects the specialized skills required in this field, making it a lucrative career choice.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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