1

Cobol Application Developer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

COBOL Developer Remote

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$50 - $67.50/hr

COBOL Developer Location: Remote (Phoenix, Arizona) Duration: 12+ Months (Possibility of Extension ... Complete unit and system tests on application changes to ensure quality. * Analyze, debug, and ...

COBOL Developer

Reading, PA · On-site

$48.25 - $65.25/hr

Stefanini is looking for a COBOL Developer in Reading, PA or Athens, AL For quick apply, please ... application, and strategic staffing services to Fortune 1000 enterprises around the world. Our ...

COBOL Developer

Reading, PA · On-site

$48.25 - $65.25/hr

Stefanini is looking for a COBOL Developer in Reading, PA or Athens, AL For quick apply, please ... application, and strategic staffing services to Fortune 1000 enterprises around the world. Our ...

Cobol Developer

GA · Remote

$51.50 - $69.50/hr

Microfocus Cobol Developer (Remote) About this role: As a Micro Focus COBOL Developer you will ... for application systems, presentation of system requirements and designs to client personnel.

Developer Analyst 3 Location: Austin, TX Description Development of new batch or online programs ... Experience with COBOL is not required, but is desirable. Additional Information 8 years of Natural ...

Role: Senior Natural/COBOL Developer Expected Duration: 8 months Location: Remote-Texas based ... application programming and software design * 8 Years of Ability to accurately test software ...

Mainframe COBOL Programmer (Roles 2, 3, 4) Client: State of New York Location: Albany, NY (Onsite ... Subject Line: "[Role No #] - [Job Title] Application - State of New York" (Example: "Role 1 - QA ...

Cobol Developer

Springfield, IL

$49.75 - $67.50/hr

An experienced developer with mainframe/COBOL experience to work in business application development. Environment and tools are IBM Mainframe platform, z/OS operating system, TSO/ISPF and DB2.

next page

Showing results 1-20

Cobol Application Developer information

See salary details

$45

$57

$67

How much do cobol application developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 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.

How much do COBOL devs get paid?

Cobol application developers typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior developers with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries, especially in financial or government sectors where legacy systems are prevalent.

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.

Are COBOL programmers still in demand?

COBOL application developers are still in demand in industries such as banking, finance, and government that rely on legacy systems. Many organizations seek experienced programmers to maintain, update, and modernize these systems, often requiring knowledge of mainframe environments and debugging skills. However, the overall demand is declining as newer technologies replace legacy platforms.

Is COBOL being phased out?

COBOL application developers work with a programming language that is still in use, especially in legacy systems within banking, government, and insurance sectors. While new development in COBOL has decreased, many organizations continue to maintain and update existing COBOL applications, and demand for skilled developers remains stable due to the complexity of migrating legacy systems. Knowledge of COBOL, along with modern tools and integration skills, can be valuable for job stability in this field.

Will AI replace COBOL?

As a Cobol Application Developer, it is unlikely that AI will fully replace COBOL programmers in the near term, as many legacy systems still rely on COBOL for critical financial and government applications. AI tools can assist with code maintenance and modernization, but human expertise remains essential for complex system updates and troubleshooting. Continuous learning of related skills like modernization tools and understanding legacy environments is important for job security.
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 are popular job titles related to Cobol Application Developer jobs? For Cobol Application Developer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
COBOL Developer Remote

COBOL Developer Remote

vTech Solution

Phoenix, AZ • On-site

$50 - $67.50/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 17 days ago


Job description

Job Title: COBOL Developer
Location: Remote (Phoenix, Arizona)

Duration: 12+ Months (Possibility of Extension)
Interview Type: Virtual

Position Summary:
We are seeking an experienced COBOL Developer for a 100% remote position. The ideal candidate will design, develop, and enhance COBOL-based programs while supporting complex automated solutions. The role involves writing and maintaining COBOL, CICS, ADABAS, VSAM, and IBM JCL programs, debugging and resolving defects, and working closely with business analysts to ensure application quality and performance.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Design & Development:
    • Write programs and enhancements using COBOL, CICS, ADABAS, VSAM, and IBM JCL.
    • Contribute to the development of automated solutions and monitor application performance.
  • Testing & Debugging:
    • Complete unit and system tests on application changes to ensure quality.
    • Analyze, debug, and resolve defects in applications.
    • Troubleshoot issues during nightly batch processing.
  • Requirements Analysis & Documentation:
    • Review customer business requirements and translate them into technical specifications.
    • Engage with business analysts and stakeholders to understand functional requirements and contribute to functional specifications.
    • Prepare detailed work/action plans for system problem resolutions and enhancements.
  • Operational Support & Best Practices:
    • Adhere to software development standards for mainframe batch and online processing.
    • Follow ITIL processes, SDLC methodologies, and CMMI standards in application development.
    • Support the operational processes and ensure efficient data processing system design.
  • Collaboration & Problem Solving:
    • Work collaboratively with teams and stakeholders to achieve business goals.
    • Provide effective solutions to complex business problems and ensure business needs are met.

Required Skills & Experience:

  • Extensive experience with COBOL programming, CICS programming, VSAM, ADABAS databases, and IBM JCL.
  • Knowledge of ITIL processes, SDLC methodologies, and CMMI in application development.
  • Proficiency in software testing tools and IT audit procedures.
  • Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
  • Ability to develop complex programs and design effective data processing systems.
  • Experience with flowcharts and workplans preparation.

Additional Skills:

  • Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Strong customer service focus and commitment.
  • Ability to collaborate and build strong relationships within and outside the organization.
  • Willingness to learn new programming languages, APIs, and platforms.

vTech Solution Inc. is a Managed IT Services firm headquartered in Washington, DC. They specialize in a range of services including cloud computingmanaged network security, and cybersecurity. Their primary focus is on providing human-centered IT solutions for government and business sectors, including federal, state, local, and education (SLED) groups, as well as commercial organizations.

vTech Solution offers services such as:

  • Managed Security Services: Implementing zero-trust security frameworks to prevent cyber threats in real-time.
  • Multi-cloud Management Services: Helping businesses digitally transform with smart cloud technologies.
  • Infrastructure Managed Services: Creating resilient and secure infrastructure management.
  • Professional Services: Providing expertise for mission-critical programs.
  • Productivity and Communications: Ensuring secure and confident business connectivity from anywhere

vTech Solution logo

About vTech Solution

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

vTech is a Managed IT Services firm based out of Washington DC with a primary focus on Cloud Computing and Managed Network Security.

Industry

It services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Washington, DC, US

Year founded

2006

Social media