Home > Salary > South Africa > Mainframe Application Programmer
A mainframe application programmer is responsible for developing, maintaining, and enhancing software applications that run on mainframe computer systems. They design and code programs using programming languages such as COBOL, PL/I, or Assembler, ensuring they meet the specific requirements of the organization. Mainframe application programmers also conduct testing, debugging, and troubleshooting to identify and resolve any issues in the software.
They work closely with other members of the development team, including business analysts and system architects, to understand the functional specifications and translate them into technical designs. Mainframe application programmers also collaborate with system administrators to ensure smooth integration and deployment of applications within the mainframe environment.
Estimated Yearly Salary: 181,670 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 15,139 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 3,494 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 87 ZAR per hour
Values are pre-tax
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Estimated Monthly Salary: 14,657 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 3,382 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 85 ZAR per hour
Last revision of data: 2024-01-03
Estimated Yearly Salary: 9,080 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 757 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 175 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 4 USD per hour
Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately
3 %
Data confidence is - relatively high
Data fetched from dabase: 14 submissions.
Results are anonymized. Amounts indicated are pre-tax, meaning no deductionts yet have been made to the basic salary. Salaries where there are less than 3 entries are not displayed.
Want to check how your salary compares? Submit your own salary here
Estimated Yearly Salary: 181,670 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 15,139 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 3,494 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 87 ZAR per hour
By working as Mainframe Application Programmer a person can save up to 485 USD per month or 5,826 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.
NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.
For more information regarding expenses in South Africa, see costs of living in South Africa.
Estimated Yearly Salary for Mainframe Application Programmer
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04
Data as of 2025
Random salary:
Attendant washroom (71,636 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Activity therapist (92,670 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Materials manager (151,440 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Deli associate (61,003 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Customer relationship management (crm), specialist (121,881 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Mainframe Application Programmer salary in South Africa
Average Yearly Salary of Mainframe Application Programmer in South Africa is approximately 181,670 ZAR (9,080 USD). Data is for 2025 and indicates a pre-tax value. The salary itself depends on multiple factors such as seniority, job performance, certifications, experience or any other bonuses. The value indicated is an average amount based on records we have in database. Real values may vary. The data is for orientational purposes.
What does Mainframe Application Programmer do?
A mainframe application programmer is responsible for developing, maintaining, and enhancing software applications that run on mainframe computer systems. They design and code programs using programming languages such as COBOL, PL/I, or Assembler, ensuring they meet the specific requirements of the organization. Mainframe application programmers also conduct testing, debugging, and troubleshooting to identify and resolve any issues in the software.
They work closely with other members of the development team, including business analysts and system architects, to understand the functional specifications and translate them into technical designs. Mainframe application programmers also collaborate with system administrators to ensure smooth integration and deployment of applications within the mainframe environment.
Skills: Mainframe programming, Application development, Software maintenance, COBOL, PL/I, Assembler
Job industry: Information technology
Job industry: Information technology
How much does Mainframe Application Programmer make?
Salary details
How much does Mainframe Application Programmer make?Estimated Yearly Salary: 181,670 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 15,139 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 3,494 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 87 ZAR per hour
Values are pre-tax Last revision of data: 2025-01-04Comparing salary to last year:
Estimated Yearly Salary: 175,880 ZAREstimated Monthly Salary: 14,657 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 3,382 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 85 ZAR per hour
Last revision of data: 2024-01-03Mainframe Application Programmer estimated salary in USD
For easier comparison here is an estimated salary in USD:Estimated Yearly Salary: 9,080 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 757 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 175 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 4 USD per hour
Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately
3 %About these results
Data confidence is - relatively high Data fetched from dabase: 14 submissions.
Results are anonymized. Amounts indicated are pre-tax, meaning no deductionts yet have been made to the basic salary. Salaries where there are less than 3 entries are not displayed.
Want to check how your salary compares? Submit your own salary here
Compare salary to other countries
Please type in your occupation and select desired country to see latest trends in salaries.
Country:
Salary comparison to National average
South Africa is a diverse and vibrant country located at the southernmost tip of the African continent. It has a population of approximately 59 million people and covers an area of around 1.2 million square kilometers. The country is known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and abundant wildlife.
Estimated national average yearly salary is 126,956 ZAR (6,780 USD). Value indicated is pre-tax. Below graph shows estimated Mainframe Application Programmer job salary compared to average salary in South Africa.
Comparison shows that a person working as Mainframe Application Programmer in South Africa earns on average:
1.43 times the average salary (or 143% of average salary).
Estimated national average yearly salary is 126,956 ZAR (6,780 USD). Value indicated is pre-tax. Below graph shows estimated Mainframe Application Programmer job salary compared to average salary in South Africa.
Comparison shows that a person working as Mainframe Application Programmer in South Africa earns on average:
1.43 times the average salary (or 143% of average salary).
Is Mainframe Application Programmer a well paid job?
Yes, our data shows that Mainframe Application Programmer is a well paid job. With years and experience the salary might increase even further, resulting in higher satisfaction.What is considered a high salary for Mainframe Application Programmer?
High salary for Mainframe Application Programmer would be somewhere between 199,837 ZAR and 263,422 ZAR. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.How much can you save working as Mainframe Application Programmer in South Africa?
Living in South Africa the approximate monthly expenses are: 271 USD. This amount covers basic needs such as food, housing, clothing, healthcare and education costs for a single person. No luxury expenses such as traveling, leisure, hobbies are included in the estimation.Estimated Yearly Salary: 181,670 ZAR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 15,139 ZAR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 3,494 ZAR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 87 ZAR per hour
By working as Mainframe Application Programmer a person can save up to 485 USD per month or 5,826 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.
NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.
For more information regarding expenses in South Africa, see costs of living in South Africa.
Salary comparison to region and neighbouring coutries
Country's neighbours are: Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Eswatini, Lesotho. To make it easier for comparison a conversion from local currency to USD has been made (conversion rates may vary).Estimated Yearly Salary for Mainframe Application Programmer
Last revision of data: 2025-01-04Salary increase per years of experience
Based on data available the salary increase per years of experience is as following- 0 years (beginner) equals base salary
- 1 to 5 years of experience yields
+12% salary increase- 6 to 10 years of experience yields
+25% salary increase- 11 to 15 years of experience yields
+16% salary increase- 16 to 25 years of experience yields
+9% salary increase- more than 25 years of experience yields
+10% salary increaseTop 10 highest salaries in South Africa
(1,412,867 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
2. Cardiologist
(1,176,011 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
(1,138,908 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
(1,102,268 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
5. Neurosurgeon
(1,100,784 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
(1,077,960 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
(1,073,792 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
(1,073,439 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
9. Oncologist
(1,071,922 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
10. Urologist
(1,071,632 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Data as of 2025Random salary:
Attendant washroom (71,636 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Activity therapist (92,670 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Materials manager (151,440 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Deli associate (61,003 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Customer relationship management (crm), specialist (121,881 ZAR per year, pre-tax.)
Feedback about these results
Please provide feedback by clicking buttons below if you find any of our salaries erroneous.
Link to this graph - use the following code to display the salary graph on your page:
<a href='https://optisalary.com/salary?country=south-africa&job=mainframe-application-programmer'><img src='https://optisalary.com/wp-content/graphs/salary/mainframe-application-programmer-salary-in-south-africa-2025.jpg' alt='mainframe application programmer salary in south africa 2025' title='mainframe application programmer salary in south africa 2025' /></a>
Please note:The salary data presented here are intended for reference purposes solely.
This website compiles salary data for educational use exclusively. While we endeavor to present accurate estimates, we do not warrant their absolute reliability. Users are strongly encouraged to consult other databases before finalizing financial plans. Salary amounts vary based on multiple conditions, such as location, job role, and individual qualifications. We make no guarantees as to the validity of the provided information. Your access of this site indicates acceptance of this disclaimer.
All salary data on optisalary.com are for informational use only. We compile data from various reliable databases, yet do not ensure complete accuracy. Before making career decisions, users should cross-check with additional verified sources. Salaries change due to several factors, including negotiation skills, industry demand, and experience levels. We deny any responsibility for misrepresentations in the salary estimates provided here. Your engagement with optisalary.com constitutes agreement of this policy.