ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Cobol Application Developer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Kaav Inc.

COBOL Mainframe Programmer/Developer

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$47 - $60.50/hr

Identify and correct data errors through application logic and develop data analysis/summary ... Proven experience with COBOL, DB2 , JCL, Control-M * Solid understanding of the full software ...

Kyndryl

COBOL Mainframe Application Developer

$115K - $218K/yr

We are looking for a very experienced COBOL Mainframe Developer with Application Architecture knowledge to join our Application Managed Services team. In this role, you will collaborate directly with ...

New

MILLENNIUMSOFT

COBOL Z/OS 8+ (100% ONSITE)

Albany, NY · On-site

$50 - $67.50/hr

COBOL Z/OS 8+ (100% ONSITE) Location: ALBANY NY Duration: 30 Months Client: STATE OF NEW YORK JD ... Application Developer (RAD) and WebSphere Application Server (WAS) 84 months of experience ...

Kyndryl

COBOL Mainframe Application Developer

Concord, NC

$45.75 - $58.75/hr

As a COBOL Mainframe Application Developer, you will work directly with the Department of Labor client personnel as a consultant to support development on their existing Unemployment and Disability ...

Kyndryl

$49 - $63/hr

As a COBOL Mainframe Application Developer, you will work directly with the Department of Labor client personnel as a consultant to support development on their existing Unemployment and Disability ...

Kyndryl

COBOL Mainframe Application Developer

Dallas, TX

$48.50 - $62.25/hr

As a COBOL Mainframe Application Developer, you will work directly with the Department of Labor client personnel as a consultant to support development on their existing Unemployment and Disability ...

TriOptus LLC

Application Developer

San Jose, CA · On-site

Application Developer Location: Santa Clara, CA Contract Term: 9 months Objective : The Assessor ... Support for Roll Close of the Assessor System with HP3000 and COBOL is required Typical ...

Omega Solutions

COBOL Programmer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

Cobol Programmer Senior Software Engineer (Mainframe) Under general supervision, to design, code ... Application Developer classification. On-Site Requirements: On-call help may be required. All work ...

THORNDALE PARTNERS

Cobol Developer

Smyrna, TN · On-site

$46.75 - $63.50/hr

Provides application development life cycle support including specifications, prototypes ... Knowledge of Cobol Programming on Mainframe and iSeries platforms * Knowledge of DB2, Oracle, SQL ...

New

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsCobol Application Developer Jobs

Cobol Application Developer information

See salary details

$45

$57

$67

How much do cobol application developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for cobol application developer in the United States is $57.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50.48 and $67.31 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by COBOL Application Developers when working with legacy systems?

COBOL Application Developers often encounter challenges such as limited or outdated documentation, which can make understanding existing codebases difficult. Additionally, integrating COBOL systems with modern technologies and ensuring compatibility with new infrastructure can be complex. Working on legacy systems may also involve troubleshooting long-standing issues and collaborating closely with business analysts and system administrators to ensure business continuity. Staying adaptable and resourceful is key to overcoming these challenges and delivering effective solutions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a COBOL Application Developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a COBOL Application Developer, you need expertise in COBOL programming, mainframe systems, and a solid background in software development, typically supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with mainframe tools like IBM z/OS, JCL, CICS, DB2, and source control systems is crucial, along with knowledge of modern integration tools. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help developers collaborate with cross-functional teams and address complex legacy code issues. These skills ensure reliable maintenance and modernization of mission-critical business applications that depend on COBOL, supporting organizational continuity.

What is a COBOL Application Developer?

A COBOL Application Developer is a software professional who specializes in designing, developing, testing, and maintaining applications written in the COBOL programming language. COBOL, which stands for Common Business-Oriented Language, is primarily used in business, finance, and administrative systems for companies and governments. These developers often work on legacy systems, updating and integrating them with modern technologies to ensure smooth business operations. They play a crucial role in maintaining mission-critical applications that handle large-scale transaction processing.

What is the difference between Cobol Application Developer vs Mainframe Developer?

AspectCobol Application DeveloperMainframe Developer
Required CredentialsTypically requires a degree in computer science or related field, with knowledge of COBOLOften requires similar degrees, with additional skills in mainframe environments
Work EnvironmentPrimarily develops and maintains COBOL applications, often in banking, finance, or government sectorsWorks on mainframe systems, handling legacy applications and infrastructure
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by organizations maintaining legacy systems, especially in finance and insuranceCommon in industries relying on mainframe systems like banking, government, and large enterprises

While both roles involve working with mainframe systems and COBOL, a Cobol Application Developer focuses mainly on developing and updating COBOL applications, whereas a Mainframe Developer may handle broader mainframe infrastructure and legacy system management.

More about Cobol Application Developer jobs
What cities are hiring for Cobol Application Developer jobs? Cities with the most Cobol Application Developer job openings:
What job categories do people searching Cobol Application Developer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Cobol Application Developer jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Cobol Application Developer jobs? For Cobol Application Developer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Cobol Application Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cobol Application Developer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 43% Full Time, and 54% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,666 per year, or $57.1 per hour.
Manager Application Development, Policy Administration

Manager Application Development, Policy Administration

American Equity

Des Moines, IA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

At American Equity we offer leading annuity products that help empower our clients to fulfill their needs and wants in retirement. Our success comes from hiring high-energy individuals who embody the beliefs that drive our unique culture. We currently fund over half a million retirements nationwide, headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa, for over thirty years with satellite offices in Charlotte, NC and New York, NY.
GENERAL PURPOSE OF THE JOB:
The Manager, Application Development - Policy Administration is responsible for leading the delivery, stability, and evolution of a mission-critical COBOL-based policy administration platform that supports core business operations. This role provides people leadership to a team of application developers, ensures reliable and secure application performance, and partners closely with business and technology stakeholders to deliver high-quality solutions in a regulated insurance environment.
The position is accountable for production stability, regulatory compliance, delivery outcomes, and the ongoing modernization of the platform while maintaining business continuity.
**Position sits in Des Moines and will work an onsite schedule**
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Lead, mentor, and manage a team of COBOL application developers, fostering a culture of accountability, quality, and continuous improvement
  • Oversee the design, development, testing, and deployment of enhancements to the policy administration platform and related systems
  • Own production support for the platform, including incident management, root cause analysis, and preventive remediation
  • Ensure application stability, availability, performance, and security in alignment with business and regulatory requirements
  • Collaborate with business partners to translate functional, regulatory, and operational requirements into technical solutions
  • Manage project timelines, scope, risks, dependencies, and delivery commitments
  • Guide enhancement of delivery, defect remediation, and technical debt reduction
  • Enforce coding standards, documentation practices, change control, and version management
  • Partner with architecture and enterprise technology teams on modernization, integration, and platform evolution initiatives
  • Ensure compliance with internal controls, audit requirements, and regulatory standards
  • Manage external vendors and consultants
  • Track, analyze, and report on delivery and operational metrics such as throughput, quality, defects, and production incidents
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Direct Reports: Approximately six (6) to ten (10) Application Developers, including a mix of employees and consultants. Supervisory responsibilities include performance management, career development, hiring and onboarding, workforce planning, and succession planning.
EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:
  • Bachelor's degree in computer science, Engineering, Information Systems, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Six (6) or more years of progressively responsible technology experience, including demonstrated technical or people leadership
  • Experience supporting and enhancing mission-critical, legacy application platforms
  • Experience modernizing policy administration or core systems while maintaining business continuity
  • Experience in insurance, financial services, or other regulated environments preferred

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATIONS: None required for this position.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Leadership & Execution
  • Proven ability to build, mentor, and lead high-performing technical teams
  • Strong execution and delivery management capabilities in complex environments
  • Effective risk assessment, escalation judgment, and decision-making skills
  • Experience with a hybrid staffing model of employees, offshore and onshore staff

Technical & Delivery
  • Solid understanding of the software development lifecycle, QA practices, and release management
  • Ability to architect solutions on a multi-tenant platform
  • Knowledge of COBOL application development in an enterprise environment
  • Working knowledge of modern delivery practices (Agile, hybrid, or regulated SDLC models)

Business & Communication
  • Ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, regulated environments
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to explain technical concepts to executive and non-technical audiences
  • Strong organizational, planning, and prioritization skills
  • Experience with implementation of Annuity products

Technical Skills
  • COBOL
  • .NET (working knowledge)
  • SQL

This description covers the major purpose and essential functions of the job. It is not intended to give all details or a step-by-step account of the way each task is to be performed. Employees may receive other job related instructions and be required to perform other job related work requested by their manager. All requirements are subject to possible modification to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities.
#LI-PL1
At American Equity, our core values-Empowered, Passion, Integrity, and Caring-are more than words. They guide how we support one another and how we serve our clients every day. To learn more about American Equity, our culture, and our values, visit the Careers site.
Iowa Best Companies to Work for 2025 | Top Workplaces
For more information about how your information is processed, please click on the Privacy tab at the bottom of the page and then click on the Applicant Privacy Policy.

Apply