1

Cobol Developer Jobs in Pittsburgh, PA (NOW HIRING)

Role: Sr COBOL Developer Location: Pittsburgh, PA (Hybrid - 3 days a week onsite) Job Type: Contract Skill Metrics: Cobol DB2 Administration REXX VSAM CICS JCL Mandatory skills: COBOL, JCL, CICS, DB2 ...

Software Engineer Principal - Mainframe

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$131K - $175K/yr

Provide subject matter expertise in COBOL-based development, ensuring scalable and maintainable ... Ensure adherence to SDLC, DevOps practices, and enterprise governance standards * Collaborate cross ...

Software Engineer Principal

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$131K - $175K/yr

As a Software Engineer Principle at PNC, you will have the following: Key Responsibilities ... Application Development & Delivery Hands on development and oversight of Cobol components ...

Pega CDH Developer

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$54.50 - $71.50/hr

Pega CDH Developer Category: Software Development/ Engineering Main location: United States ... COBOL/DB2) a plus #LI-SG2 #DICE Other Information: CGI is required by law in some jurisdictions to ...

Pega CDH Developer

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$52.50 - $69/hr

We are seeking a skilled Pega CDH Developer (CSSA Certified) to design, build, and optimize ... COBOL/DB2) a plus #LI-SG2 #DICE Other Information: CGI is required by law in some jurisdictions to ...

Mainframe Specialist

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$70K - $196K/yr

Partner with cross-functional teams-architects, developers, QA, and business analysts-to gather ... COBOL, JCL, VSAM, CICS, DB2, Assembler, REXX, SPUFI, TSO/ISPF, or RACF. * Minimum 3+ years leading ...

Mainframe Specialist

Pittsburgh, PA · On-site

$70K - $196K/yr

Partner with cross-functional teams-architects, developers, QA, and business analysts-to gather ... COBOL, JCL, VSAM, CICS, DB2, Assembler, REXX, SPUFI, TSO/ISPF, or RACF. * Minimum 3+ years leading ...

CICS Systems Engineer

Homestead, PA · On-site

$157K - $186K/yr

Knowledge of COBOL and CICS Command Level programming * Experience with z/OS Connect and/or zOSMF * Other Skills: * Excellent written and verbal communication * Ability to provide 24x7 on-call ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Cobol Developer information

See Pittsburgh, PA salary details

$10

$53

$70

How much do cobol developer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for cobol developer in Pittsburgh, PA is $53.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46.92 and $63.46 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Cobol developer?

A COBOL Developer is a software programmer who specializes in using the COBOL (Common Business-Oriented Language) programming language to design, develop, maintain, and troubleshoot business applications. COBOL is a legacy language primarily used in mainframe computing environments, common in industries like banking, insurance, and government. COBOL Developers often work on updating, maintaining, or migrating older systems that are critical to business operations. Their responsibilities may also include analyzing existing code, optimizing performance, and ensuring systems comply with current regulatory and security standards.

What does a Cobol developer do?

COBOL stands for Common Business-Oriented Language. It is a programming language used in business applications. A COBOL developer works on developing applications using this programming language that operate on an organization's mainframe computers. Businesses use COBOL for large tasks, such as transaction and batch processing. As a COBOL developer, your responsibilities include coding new programs using COBOL or assessing and upgrading existing programs and applications to meet business needs and objectives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cobol developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Cobol Developer, you need strong programming skills in COBOL, a solid understanding of mainframe environments, and experience with legacy systems, often supported by a degree in computer science or related field. Familiarity with tools like IBM z/OS, JCL, DB2, and transaction processing systems is typically required, along with knowledge of version control systems. Analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication help developers troubleshoot issues and collaborate with teams maintaining critical enterprise applications. These skills and qualities are essential to ensure the reliability and modernization of core business systems that depend on COBOL.

What are some of the common challenges Cobol developers face when working with legacy systems?

Cobol Developers often encounter challenges related to maintaining and upgrading legacy systems, such as limited documentation, outdated hardware, and code that was written decades ago by other programmers. Integrating Cobol-based applications with modern technologies and platforms can also require creative problem-solving and strong analytical skills. Collaboration with business analysts and IT teams is essential to accurately translate current business needs into the existing codebase while ensuring system stability and data integrity.

What is the difference between Cobol Developer vs Mainframe Developer?

AspectCobol DeveloperMainframe Developer
Required CredentialsProficiency in COBOL, JCL, DB2Proficiency in COBOL, JCL, DB2, and mainframe tools
Work EnvironmentLegacy systems, mainframe environmentsMainframe systems, enterprise IT infrastructure
Employer & Industry UsageFinancial, insurance, government sectorsFinancial institutions, government agencies, large enterprises
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for mainframe roles involving COBOLBroader role including system administration and maintenance

While both roles involve working with mainframe systems and COBOL, a Cobol Developer primarily focuses on coding and maintaining COBOL applications. A Mainframe Developer may handle a wider range of tasks, including system setup, maintenance, and integration within mainframe environments. The roles often overlap, but Cobol Developers are more specialized in application development.

Is there a demand for Cobol developers?

Cobol developers are still in demand for maintaining and updating legacy systems in industries such as banking, finance, and government. Many organizations require expertise in Cobol for critical mainframe applications, and experienced developers with knowledge of mainframe environments and tools are sought after. However, the overall demand is stable but limited compared to newer programming languages.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cobol Developer jobs in Pittsburgh, PA?

The most popular types of Cobol Developer jobs in Pittsburgh, PA are:

What job categories do people searching Cobol Developer jobs in Pittsburgh, PA look for?

The top searched job categories for Cobol Developer jobs in Pittsburgh, PA are:

What cities near Pittsburgh, PA are hiring for Cobol Developer jobs?

Cities near Pittsburgh, PA with the most Cobol Developer job openings:

Infographic showing various Cobol Developer job openings in Pittsburgh, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $112,105 per year, or $53.9 per hour.

Sr COBOL Developer

Saransh Inc

Pittsburgh, PA • On-site

Contractor

Re-posted 15 days ago


Job description

Role: Sr COBOL Developer
Location: Pittsburgh, PA (Hybrid - 3 days a week onsite)
Job Type: Contract
 
Skill Metrics:
 

Cobol

DB2 Administration

REXX

VSAM

CICS

JCL

 
Mandatory skills: COBOL, JCL, CICS, DB2, VSAM, REXX
 
Tech Skills: COBOL, JCL, REXX, SQL, CICS, DB2, VSAM, Endevor, Xpeditor, Intertest, Abend-AID, File Manager, SPUFI, QMF, SYNCSORT, DFSORT, Postman, SOAP UI
 
Experience Required: 8+ years
 
Job Description:
  • Has ability to quickly learn, trouble shoot, and maintain existing COBOL programs with little documentation.
  • Should be able to provide production support weeknight/weekends as needed.
  • Has experience working on Agile teams.