Entry Level Mainframe Developer Salary in the United States

How much does an Entry Level Mainframe Developer make in the United States?

As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for an Entry Level Mainframe Developer in the United States is $124,813 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $60.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $143,960
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $112,224 to $134,835
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $100,762
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View as table View as graph 25% $112,224 10% $100,762 90% $143,960 75% $134,835 $124,813 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Entry Level Mainframe Developer Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $134,835 $11,236 $2,593 $65
Average $124,813 $10,401 $2,400 $60
25th Percentile $112,224 $9,352 $2,158 $54
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Key Factors That Influence Entry Level Mainframe Developer Salaries

An Entry Level Mainframe Developer'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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Entry Level Mainframe Developer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Entry Level Mainframe Developer'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): $121,316
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $121,840
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $123,589
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $125,687
  • Expert (over 8 years): $128,368
Levels Salary
Entry Level Entry Level Mainframe Developer$121,316
Intermediate Level Entry Level Mainframe Developer$121,840
Senior Level Entry Level Mainframe Developer$123,589
Specialist Level Entry Level Mainframe Developer$125,687
Expert Level Entry Level Mainframe Developer$128,368
$121,316 0 yr
$121,840 < 2 yrs
$123,589 2-4 yrs
$125,687 5-8 yrs
$128,368 > 8 yrs
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What Am I Worth?

How Do Entry Level Mainframe Developer 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 Entry Level Mainframe Developers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $138,193.
  • California: $137,669.
  • Massachusetts: $135,834.

Top Paying Cities for Entry Level Mainframe Developers

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: $157,427
  • San Francisco: $155,879
  • Oakland: $152,422

What Skills Can Increase an Entry Level Mainframe Developer's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 6.02% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Accounting (Mentioned in 2.42% Job Postings): Creating financial statements and reports based on the summary of financial and business transactions.
  • Business Administration (Mentioned in 1.88% Job Postings): It is the management of all aspects of a business's performance, decisions, and organization. It includes the day to day operations, aspects including finances and human resources, and ensures the company stays aligned to the goal or mission.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 6.02%
Accounting 2.42%
Business Administration 1.88%
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 Entry Level Mainframe Developer's salary.
  • Pricing: Can increase your salary by up to 15%.
  • Finance and Accounting: Can increase your salary by up to 13%.
  • Revenue Management: Can increase your salary by up to 11%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Pricing
$143,535
15%
Finance and Accounting
$141,039
13%
Revenue Management
$138,542
11%
Presentation
$137,294
10%
Analysis
$133,550
7%
Analytical Skills
$131,054
5%
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Entry Level Mainframe Developer Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Entry Level Mainframe Developer'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 January 01, 2026

Salary Trends for Entry Level Mainframe Developer

Salaries for an Entry Level Mainframe Developer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $118,544 in 2023 to around $117,997 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Entry Level Mainframe Developer salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Entry Level Mainframe Developer Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$118,544
2024
$119,073
2025
$117,997
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $118,544
2024 $119,073
2025 $117,997
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Entry Level Mainframe Developer

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Entry Level Mainframe Developer

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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.)

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