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Cobol Contractor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

VIVA USA INC

COBOL Developer - Onsite

Blythewood, SC · On-site

$40 - $54.25/hr

Title: COBOL Developer - Onsite Mandatory skills: Visual COBOL V9, architecture, programming ... The Management, contractors, and staff of VIVA USA shall respect others without regard to race, sex ...

New

Focused HR Solutions

8/11 Cobol Developer 85

Atlanta, GA · Remote

$51.50 - $69.50/hr

Work collaboratively with Clemson staff and other contracted staff. Required skills (rank in order of importance): * Mainframe, mvs cobol, jcl, idms/network, ca-ads, change man * Soft skills required ...

Software People, Inc.

$51.50 - $69.50/hr

Communicate effectively in both written and spoken communication. work collaboratively with Clemson staff and other contracted staff. Skills Needed * Mainframe * MVS COBOL * JCL * IDMS/Network

Stem Xpert

Mainframe/Cobol Programmer

Detroit, MI · On-site

All prospective contractors will be required to pass background check prior to the start date of this contract. Skill Matrix: years of expereince in each skill listed below. COBOL and GenX ...

Monitise

Mainframe COBOL Software Engineer

Coral Springs, FL · On-site

$46.75 - $60/hr

As a Mainframe COBOL Software Engineer you will be a part of our Core Acquiring Front End ... contractors. Should this position support a Federal Government contract, now or in the future, the ...

Monitise

Mainframe COBOL Software Engineer

Alpharetta, GA · On-site

$47.75 - $61.50/hr

As a Mainframe COBOL Software Engineer you will be a part of our Core Acquiring Front End ... contractors. Should this position support a Federal Government contract, now or in the future, the ...

Sunrise Systems, Inc.

Developer - Mainframe Analyst

$50.25 - $64.50/hr

... requirements. • Contractor might be required to deliver new or modified programs. • ... programs written in COBOL/CICS/DB2. • Experience with IBM OS/JCL (MVS) and IBM/DB2. • ...

HireITPeople

Developer, Mainframe Analyst

Trenton, NJ · On-site

Contractor's primary responsibility will be to look at existing Programs written in Cobol/CICS/DB2/MQ, extract the business logic from these programs and document them. Contractor will also be going ...

Deegit Inc

Mainframe Programmer Analyst

Atlanta, GA · On-site

Looking for sharp, quick, and fairly independent contractor that is able to reverse engineer the existing COBOL code . REQUIRED SKILLS: - 3-4 years' experience working with Control M, TSO, File ...

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Cobol Contractor information

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$10

$55

$73

How much do cobol contractor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for cobol contractor in the United States is $55.52, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48.32 and $65.38 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Cobol contractor?

Cobol Contractors are IT professionals who specialize in working with COBOL, a legacy programming language widely used in mainframe systems, especially in industries like banking, insurance, and government. They are typically hired on a contract basis to maintain, update, or migrate existing COBOL applications. Many organizations rely on Cobol Contractors to ensure the stability and compliance of their critical business systems, as in-house expertise in COBOL has decreased over the years. Their responsibilities can range from fixing bugs and optimizing code to integrating COBOL systems with newer technologies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cobol contractor?

To thrive as a COBOL Contractor, you need strong expertise in COBOL programming, mainframe environments, and legacy system maintenance, typically backed by experience in financial or government sectors. Familiarity with tools such as IBM z/OS, JCL, DB2, and version control systems is commonly required, along with relevant certifications in mainframe technologies. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help contractors collaborate with teams and understand legacy business logic. These skills ensure the smooth functioning, modernization, and integration of critical systems that rely on COBOL in many large organizations.

What are some common challenges faced by Cobol contractors when working with legacy systems in modern organizations?

COBOL Contractors often encounter challenges related to integrating legacy COBOL applications with newer technologies and systems. These challenges can include deciphering outdated or poorly documented code, overcoming compatibility issues with modern databases or platforms, and ensuring that updates do not disrupt critical business operations. Additionally, contractors may need to collaborate closely with other IT professionals, such as business analysts and newer language developers, to bridge knowledge gaps and facilitate smooth transitions. Adaptability and strong problem-solving skills are essential for navigating these complexities.

What is the difference between Cobol Contractor vs Cobol Developer?

AspectCobol ContractorCobol Developer
CredentialsTypically requires experience in COBOL, possibly certifications in mainframe technologiesRequires COBOL knowledge, often with similar certifications or training
Work EnvironmentContract-based, often on short-term projects, working in mainframe or legacy system environmentsFull-time or freelance, working on COBOL applications within organizations or consulting firms
Employer & IndustryHired by companies needing temporary COBOL expertise, mainly in finance, insurance, and government sectorsEmployers include financial institutions, government agencies, and IT firms maintaining COBOL systems

Both roles focus on COBOL programming, but a Cobol Contractor typically works on short-term projects and is hired for specific tasks, while a Cobol Developer may have ongoing responsibilities within an organization. The main difference lies in employment type and project duration.

Are Cobol Contractor jobs still in demand?

Cobol contractor jobs remain in demand in industries such as banking and finance, where legacy systems still rely on Cobol for critical operations. Many organizations seek experienced Cobol developers for maintenance, modernization, and migration projects, often requiring knowledge of mainframe environments and tools like JCL and CICS.

Does Cobol Contractor have a future?

Cobol contractors are likely to remain in demand for maintaining legacy systems in finance, government, and insurance sectors, as many organizations still rely on Cobol-based applications. However, the industry is gradually shifting toward modern programming languages, so long-term opportunities may require additional skills in newer technologies. Staying updated with related tools and certifications can enhance job prospects in this field.
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Cobol Contractor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cobol Contractor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 19% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,475 per year, or $55.5 per hour.

COBOL Developer - Onsite

VIVA USA INC

Blythewood, SC • On-site

$40 - $54.25/hr

Other

Posted yesterday

New

Job description

Title:         COBOL Developer - Onsite

Mandatory skills:

Visual COBOL V9, architecture, programming,
computer system analysis, design, coding, testing, debugging,
technical software development, software systems,
COBOL based business systems, Oracle SQL database, production support,
Microsoft Visual Studio .NET, C# development, traffic violation processing,
Server system, human interface, COBOL development, proposing solutions


Description:

The client is looking for a Programmer - Consultant - Senior COBOL Developer

Scope of the project:
This assignment is for maintenance, support, and development of the core client business systems supporting client’s drivers and vehicles. This system supports legislative and federal requirements for traffic violation processing for the client. This system is a Client-Server system utilizing COBOL as the back end and .NET as the human interface.
The position is withing the COBOL development team as the Senior Programmer / Team Lead. This position reports to the client COBOL development manager and will directly support the client core business system known as Phoenix.

This position will require CJIS information security certification which client will sponsor.
Candidate must be able to work independently. Excellent communications skills are required.

Daily duties / responsibilities:
1. Analyze the client core business system and assigned tickets for development and/or system modification.
2. Take the lead in analyzing and proposing solutions to assigned tickets and projects
3. Partner with business units to develop business specifications, translate those business specifications into technical specifications, and obtain business sign-off of specifications.
4. Code, test, promote, and interact with impacted users ensuring that solution meets requirements as documented in the specifications.
5. Production support for the client system
6. Provide daily and weekly status to the development manager and business analyst(s)

Required Skills:
10+ Years of Experience with Visual and/or Micro Focus COBOL 1+ Year of Experience with Visual COBOL V9
10+ Years of experience with computer system analysis, design, coding, testing, debugging, and implementation techniques and practices for developing new systems or modifying existing systems.
10+ Years of Experience developing and maintaining complex, mission critical applications in a Windows based Client Server environment.
10+ Years of Experience Leading a technical software development team in planning and deployment of software systems.

10+ Years of Experience coding and testing complex COBOL based business systems in an Oracle SQL database and Windows based client-server environment.
10+ Years Experience providing Level 3 (L3) production support
10+ Years Experience functioning as the primary contact with business units to develop and review business and technical specifications and ensure delivery of specified
functionality.

Preferred Skills:
Oracle 19+ SQL
Familiarity with Microsoft Visual Studio .NET / C# development environment Experience working in a Governmental environment

Preferred Certifications:
Visual COBOL technical certifications


Additional Skills:
Experience mentoring and guiding less experiences technical colleagues
Proven proficiency communicating effectively with users, vendors, staff members and management both orally and in writing.
Ability to plan, define, lead, direct, instruct, and review project work and personnel.

Education:
Prefer Bachelor’s Degree In Computer Science or a closely related discipline with 10 Years of Experience. Experience in a government client environment is extremely helpful.


VIVA USA is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to maintaining a professional working environment that is free from discrimination and unlawful harassment. The Management, contractors, and staff of VIVA USA shall respect others without regard to race, sex, religion, age, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, physical, mental or sensory disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or status as a Vietnam-era, recently separated veteran, Active war time or campaign badge veteran, Armed forces service medal veteran, or disabled veteran. Please contact us at for any complaints, comments and suggestions.


Contact Details :

Account co-ordinator: Binodh Thankappan


VIVA USA INC.
3601 Algonquin Road, Suite 425
Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
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