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Mainframe Developer II Salary in the United States

How much does a Mainframe Developer II make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Mainframe Developer II in the United States is $82,790 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:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $95,399
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $74,790 to $89,390
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $67,506
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Mainframe Developer II Salaries

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.

How Experience Level Affects Mainframe Developer Salaries?

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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $80,163
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $80,402
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $83,283
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $86,041
  • Expert (over 8 years): $86,238
Levels Salary
Entry Level Mainframe Developer II$80,163
Intermediate Level Mainframe Developer II$80,402
Senior Level Mainframe Developer II$83,283
Specialist Level Mainframe Developer II$86,041
Expert Level Mainframe Developer II$86,238
View as Graph

How Do Mainframe Developer II Salaries Vary from State to State?

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:
  • District of Columbia: $91,690.
  • California: $91,290.
  • Massachusetts: $90,090.

Top Paying Cities for Mainframe Developer IIs

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: $104,390
  • San Francisco: $103,290
  • Oakland: $101,090

What Skills Can Increase a Mainframe Developer II'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.
Skills Demand Percentage
Commitment 28.74%
Computer Science 2.72%
Software Development 1.19%
See More Skills

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 a Mainframe Developer II'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 $98,520
19%
Process Management $92,725
12%
Project Management $89,413
8%
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Mainframe Developer II Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Mainframe Developer II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $92,521. While startup companies pay approximate $78,264.

Mainframe Developer II Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $78,264
Growth Stage 51~500 $82,772
Established 501~5000 $89,341
Enterprise 5000+ $92,521

Mainframe Developer II Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Mainframe Developer II roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 100% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Mainframe Developer positions in Biotechnology or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Mainframe Developer II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Mainframe Developer II

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense$124,185$60.050%

How Education impacts a Mainframe Developer II's Salary?

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

Typical Education for Mainframe Developer II
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%
View as Graph

Mainframe Developer II Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

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 September 01, 2026
$74,790
Average $82,790/year
$89,390
$6,233
Average $6,899/month
$7,449
$1,438
Average $1,592/week
$1,719
$36
Average $40/hour
$43
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $89,390 $7,449 $1,719 $43
Average $82,790 $6,899 $1,592 $40
25th Percentile $74,790 $6,233 $1,438 $36

Mainframe Developer II Salary Growth & Career Path

Mainframe Developer II

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions 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 $128,500 55%

Most common benefits for Mainframe Developer II

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Mainframe Developer II

Here are companies hiring for Mainframe Developer II and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Mainframe Developer II

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Mainframe Developer II?

The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Mainframe Developer II roles, with salaries approximately 50% above the market median.

2. How much do IBM mainframe engineers make?

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.

3. What is the salary for mainframe developer in us?

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.

4. What is the salary of mainframe developer in IBM?

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.

5. What is the highest salary in mainframe?

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.

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

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.

7. Is mainframe developer a good career?

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.

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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