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Cobol Language Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Senior Developer

Naperville, IL · On-site

$54.50 - $72/hr

Technical Skills (APPS)-Mainframe-Language-Mainframe - COBOL Job : Technical Lead Other Requirement : Position Details SR Number Job Location/Client Location (with City & State) Naperville, IL, USA ...

Proficiency in IBM Assembler language and Metal C programming languages * Strong understanding of ... Java, COBOL, ISPF, REXX, or JCL. * Experience with Blackduck, Coverity, zACS tools. * Experience ...

Cobol Language information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$11

$57

$75

How much do cobol language jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for cobol language in Chicago, IL is $57.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49.76 and $67.36 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a COBOL developer?

COBOL developers are specialized programmers who write, maintain, and optimize applications using COBOL (Common Business Oriented Language), a programming language that has been widely used in business, finance, and administrative systems for decades. Their responsibilities often include updating legacy mainframe systems, debugging code, and ensuring data integrity in large-scale enterprise environments. COBOL developers typically work in industries like banking, insurance, and government, where critical business applications still rely on COBOL. With the continuing need to modernize or maintain these legacy systems, COBOL developers remain in demand.

What are the typical challenges faced by COBOL developers when working with legacy systems?

COBOL developers often encounter challenges such as understanding and maintaining decades-old codebases, which may lack proper documentation or have been modified by numerous developers over time. Integrating COBOL programs with modern technologies and ensuring compatibility with current hardware or software environments can also be complex. Additionally, troubleshooting bugs in legacy systems often requires a deep understanding of both COBOL and mainframe architectures, making collaboration with experienced team members and cross-functional IT staff important for success.

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 a strong understanding of COBOL programming, legacy mainframe systems, and experience with debugging and maintaining large-scale business applications, typically supported by a degree in computer science or related field. Familiarity with mainframe environments such as IBM z/OS, JCL (Job Control Language), DB2 databases, and tools like TSO/ISPF is essential. Problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication are important soft skills for collaborating with cross-functional teams and handling complex, mission-critical systems. These skills ensure reliability, maintainability, and seamless integration of essential legacy systems in organizations that depend on COBOL-based solutions.

What is the difference between Cobol Language vs Mainframe Developer?

AspectCobol LanguageMainframe Developer
Required CredentialsKnowledge of COBOL, programming skillsCOBOL, JCL, DB2, and mainframe tools
Work EnvironmentLegacy systems, mainframe environmentsMainframe systems, enterprise IT
Industry UsageFinancial, insurance, governmentFinancial institutions, government agencies
Common Search IntentLearning COBOL, coding in COBOLDeveloping or maintaining mainframe applications

While COBOL Language refers to the programming language itself, a Mainframe Developer specializes in building and maintaining applications on mainframe systems using COBOL and related tools. The two are closely linked, with the developer role requiring expertise in COBOL along with other mainframe technologies.

Are Cobol language jobs still in demand?

Cobol language jobs are still in demand in industries such as banking, finance, and government, where legacy systems rely on Cobol for critical operations. Many organizations seek experienced Cobol programmers for maintenance, modernization, and migration projects, often requiring knowledge of mainframe environments and related tools.

What are popular job titles related to Cobol Language jobs in Chicago, IL?

For Cobol Language jobs in Chicago, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Cobol Language jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Cobol Language jobs in Chicago, IL are:

Infographic showing various Cobol Language job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,956 per year, or $57.2 per hour.

Senior Developer

Amaze Systems Inc.

Naperville, IL • On-site

$54.50 - $72/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 21 days ago


Job description


Designation : Technical Lead
Location : Illinois
No. of Positions : 1
Job Description (Posting). : To be responsible for managing technology in projects and providing technical guidance / solutions for work completion (1.) To be responsible for providing technical guidance / solutions ;define, advocate, and implement best practices and coding standards for the team. (2.) To develop and guide the team members in enhancing their technical capabilities and increasing productivity (3.) To ensure process compliance in the assigned module| and participate in technical discussions/review as a technical consultant for feasibility study (technical alternatives, best packages, supporting architecture best practices, technical risks, breakdown into components, estimations). (4.) To prepare and submit status reports for minimizing exposure and risks on the project or closure of escalations.
Skill (Primary) : Technical Skills (APPS)-Mainframe-Language-Mainframe - COBOL
Job : Technical Lead
Other Requirement :

Position Details

SR Number

Job Location/Client Location (with City & State)

Naperville, IL, USA

Remote ok (Yes / No)

No (Day-1 onsite)

Project Duration

6+ Months

Project Start date

Asap

Buy Rate

Exclusive to HCLTech(Y/N)

Yes

Mode (TP/FTE)

Contract to Hire

No of openings/positions

1

Job Title/Role

Senior Developer

Mandatory Skills

Mainframe Cobol (Primary)
JCL
CICS
VSAM
Unix Shell scripting is preferred

Client Interview Needed for Selection (Yes / No)

No

Job Description

To be responsible for managing technology in projects and providing technical guidance / solutions for work completion (1.) To be responsible for providing technical guidance / solutions; define, advocate, and implement best practices and coding standards for the team. (2.) To develop and guide the team members in enhancing their technical capabilities and increasing productivity (3.) To ensure process compliance in the assigned module| and participate in technical discussions/review as a technical consultant for feasibility study (technical alternatives, best packages, supporting architecture best practices, technical risks, breakdown into components, estimations). (4.) To prepare and submit status reports for minimizing exposure and risks on the project or closure of escalations.
Additional requirement:
This opening is for Application support and maintenance (AMS) project. To resolve the tickets raised as per the defined standards of time and to meet customer satisfaction. The scope of the opening is to work on L2L3 tickets (with code changes) and also to work on minor enhancements and change requests.
1. Primary knowledge in Mainframe Cobol.
2. Secondary knowledge in CICS, JCL, VSAM, Unix Shell scripting perl scripting is preferred.
3. Weekend deployment support is there.



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About Amaze Systems

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We strive to be the very best in our industry. We're the Best IT Specialists. We value our clients and their trust in us and hence, Our IT & Web Consultants don't hesitate to move mountains to give them high quality & innovative digital strategies, without resting, till they get the brand of their dreams. Our impeccable digital executions has helped several businesses multiply and increase their business enquiries substantially over years making us one of the most preferred online partners.

Industry

It services

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Dallas, TX, US

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