As of March 01, 2026, the average salary for a Mainframe Developer II in the United States is $82,890 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.
However, a Mainframe Developer II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Mainframe Developer II'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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Mainframe Developer II'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Mainframe Developer II | $80,263 |
| Intermediate Level Mainframe Developer II | $80,502 |
| Senior Level Mainframe Developer II | $83,390 |
| Specialist Level Mainframe Developer II | $86,190 |
| Expert Level Mainframe Developer II | $86,390 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Mainframe Developer IIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 28.74% |
| Computer Science | 2.72% |
| Software Development | 1.19% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Network Design
|
$98,639 |
19%
|
|
Process Management
|
$92,837 |
12%
|
|
Project Management
|
$89,521 |
8%
|
|
SMTP
|
$88,692 |
7%
|
|
Commitment
|
$88,692 |
7%
|
|
Leadership
|
$88,692 |
7%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Mainframe Developer IIs 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 a Mainframe Developer II with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $76,212 and $81,938).
Mainframe Developer II Salaries by Degree Level
| 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% |
Understanding how a Mainframe Developer II'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.
Last Updated on March 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Mainframe Developer II, 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.
| 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 for a Mainframe Developer II 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 Mainframe Developer II salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $102,587 |
| 2024 | $103,560 |
| 2025 | $102,443 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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IBM mainframe engineers typically earn between $71,990 and $94,690, with a median salary of $81,890. Salaries below this range may be considered outliers, while those above may reflect higher experience or specialized skills.
The salary for a Mainframe Developer in the US ranges from $71,990 to $94,690 per year, with a mid-range salary of $81,890. These figures reflect the typical compensation for this role, providing a clear overview of potential earnings in the industry.
The salary of a Mainframe Developer at IBM in India ranges from ₹71,990 to ₹94,690, with a mid-salary of ₹81,890. This reflects the compensation for developers with varying experience levels. These figures are based on recent salary data and may vary depending on individual qualifications and market conditions.
The highest salary for a Mainframe Developer is $94,690 per year. Salaries typically range from a minimum of $71,990 to a midpoint of $81,890, reflecting the demand and expertise in this field.
The salary for a Mainframe Developer with 2 years of experience typically ranges from ₹71,990 to ₹94,690. The average salary is around ₹81,890, reflecting the growing demand for skilled professionals in this field.
Becoming a mainframe developer can be the start of a successful career for those who are problem-solvers and enjoy working with technology. With salaries ranging from $71,990 to $94,690, this role offers competitive compensation. Many mainframe developers thrive in collaborative environments, making it a rewarding choice for tech enthusiasts.
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.)
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