How Much Does a Mainframe Lead make?

Mainframe Lead made a median salary around $103,431 in March, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $118,015 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $93,135. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
25% $93,135 10% $83,762 90% $131,294 75% $118,015 $103,431 50%(Median)
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Best-Paying Cities for Mainframe Lead

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Mainframe Lead profession are Merrifield , Mc Lean , Springfield , Annandale , Arlington .
Merrifield, VA $114,774
Mc Lean, VA $114,774
Springfield, VA $114,774
Annandale, VA $114,774
Arlington, VA $114,774

Best-Paying States for Mainframe Lead

The states and districts that pay Mainframe Lead the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $114,774) , California (around $113,743) , New Jersey (around $113,021) , Alaska (around $112,299) , and Massachusetts (around $112,196) .
District of Columbia $114,774
California $113,743
New Jersey $113,021
Alaska $112,299
Massachusetts $112,196

What is the Career Path of Mainframe Lead?

A career path is a sequence of jobs that leads to your short- and long-term career goals. Some follow a linear career path within one field, while others change fields periodically to achieve career or personal goals.

For Mainframe Lead, the first career path typically starts with an Applications Programmer IV position , and then progresses to Applications Programming Supervisor.

The second career path typically starts with a Software Architect IV position , and then progresses to VP of Software Architecture.

The third career path typically starts with a Midrange Programmer IV position , and then progresses to Midrange Programmer V.

Additionally, the fourth career path typically progresses to Mobile Applications Development Manager.

Besides, Mainframe Lead can also turn to other related jobs, including Mainframe Programmer , Mainframe Analyst , Mainframe Architect and Mainframe Engineer .

Frequently Asked Questions for Mainframe Lead

Q: What is the salary range of Mainframe Lead in Virginia?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid Mainframe Lead in Virginia earned an average annual salary of $93,135 , while the highest-paid made $118,015.
Q: What is the salary for a Mainframe Lead in California?
A: Mainframe Lead employed in California earned an average salary of $113,743 in 2025.

Average Mainframe Lead Pay vs. Other Jobs

Mainframe Lead earned an average salary of $103,431 in 2025. Other jobs related to Mainframe Lead earned the following average salary in March, 2025. Mainframe Programmer made $82,390 , Mainframe Analyst made $83,359 , Mainframe Architect and Mainframe Engineer made $83,359 and $83,359 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Mainframe Lead

Mainframe Programmer - Average Salary $82,390
Mainframe Programmer reviews, analyzes, and modifies programming systems including encoding, testing, debugging and installing for a large-scale mainframe computer system. Maintains and develops online and batch application programs. Being a Mainframe Programmer develops and implements a disaster recovery plan. Works with project members to develop specifications, diagrams and flowcharts. Additionally, Mainframe Programmer may require a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a project leader or manager. The Mainframe Programmer occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gaining exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. To be a Mainframe Programmer typically requires 2 -4 years of related experience.
Mainframe Analyst - Average Salary $83,359
There is currently no job description for Mainframe Analyst, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Mainframe Analyst.
Mainframe Architect - Average Salary $83,359
There is currently no job description for Mainframe Architect, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Mainframe Architect.
Mainframe Engineer - Average Salary $83,359
There is currently no job description for Mainframe Engineer, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Mainframe Engineer.
Mainframe Operator - Average Salary $83,359
There is currently no job description for Mainframe Operator, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Mainframe Operator.