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Cobol Programmer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Innovcentric LLC

Mainframe COBOL Programmer

Albany, NY · On-site

$65/hr

Mainframe COBOL Programmer (Roles 2, 3, 4) Client: State of New York Location: Albany, NY (Onsite Only) Visa: All visas accepted, including H1B transfers Role 2: Mainframe COBOL Programmer Rate: $50 ...

Select Minds LLC

COBOL Programmer

Dallas, TX · Remote

$55 - $60/hr

COBOL AS/400 Programmer Location: Remote (Must work PST hours) Travel: Up to 3 days per month onsite (expenses covered) Experience Level: 1 2+ years required Opportunity Overview We are seeking an ...

Ask IT consulting

COBOL Programmer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

Job Profile- COBOL Programmer Location- Raleigh, NC Duration-12+ Months The primary responsibility of this position is to write new COBOL programs and modify existing ones in support of the Benefit ...

System One

Cobol Programmer

Albany, NY · On-site

The successful candidate will have excellent knowledge of the COBOL programming language, CICS, DB2 and mainframe technologies, open systems interfaces and technologies. The ideal candidate will also ...

System One Holdings, LLC

Cobol Programmer

Albany, NY · On-site

$98K/yr

The successful candidate will have excellent knowledge of the COBOL programming language, CICS, DB2 and mainframe technologies, open systems interfaces and technologies. The ideal candidate will also ...

System One

Cobol Programmer

Albany, NY · On-site

The successful candidate will have excellent knowledge of the COBOL programming language, CICS, DB2 and mainframe technologies, open systems interfaces and technologies. The ideal candidate will also ...

System One

Cobol Programmer

Albany, NY · On-site

The successful candidate will have excellent knowledge of the COBOL programming language, CICS, DB2 and mainframe technologies, open systems interfaces and technologies. The ideal candidate will also ...

System One

Cobol Programmer

Albany, NY · On-site

The successful candidate will have excellent knowledge of the COBOL programming language, CICS, DB2 and mainframe technologies, open systems interfaces and technologies. The ideal candidate will also ...

Select Minds LLC

COBOL Programmer

Dallas, TX · On-site +1

$55 - $60/hr

COBOL AS/400 Programmer Location: Remote (Must work PST hours) Travel: Up to 3 days per month onsite (expenses covered) Experience Level: 1 2+ years required Opportunity Overview We are seeking an ...

System One

Cobol Programmer

Albany, NY · On-site

The successful candidate will have excellent knowledge of the COBOL programming language, CICS, DB2 and mainframe technologies, open systems interfaces and technologies. The ideal candidate will also ...

System One

Cobol Programmer

Albany, NY · On-site

The successful candidate will have excellent knowledge of the COBOL programming language, CICS, DB2 and mainframe technologies, open systems interfaces and technologies. The ideal candidate will also ...

System One

Cobol Programmer

Albany, NY · On-site

The successful candidate will have excellent knowledge of the COBOL programming language, CICS, DB2 and mainframe technologies, open systems interfaces and technologies. The ideal candidate will also ...

System One

Cobol Programmer

Albany, NY · On-site

The successful candidate will have excellent knowledge of the COBOL programming language, CICS, DB2 and mainframe technologies, open systems interfaces and technologies. The ideal candidate will also ...

System One

Cobol Programmer

Albany, NY · On-site

The successful candidate will have excellent knowledge of the COBOL programming language, CICS, DB2 and mainframe technologies, open systems interfaces and technologies. The ideal candidate will also ...

System One

Cobol Programmer

Albany, NY · On-site

The successful candidate will have excellent knowledge of the COBOL programming language, CICS, DB2 and mainframe technologies, open systems interfaces and technologies. The ideal candidate will also ...

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Showing results 1-20

All JobsCobol Programmer Jobs

Cobol Programmer information

See salary details

$40

$58

$95

How much do cobol programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for cobol programmer in the United States is $58.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43.27 and $67.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is there still a demand for COBOL programmers?

COBOL programmers are still in demand for maintaining and updating legacy systems in industries like banking, finance, and government. Many organizations require expertise in COBOL for critical mainframe applications, though new development opportunities are limited. Skills in mainframe environments and understanding of legacy code are valuable for these roles.

Is COBOL being phased out?

COBOL programmers are still in demand for maintaining legacy systems in banking, government, and insurance sectors. While new development in COBOL has decreased, many organizations rely on it, and expertise remains valuable for system updates and support. The language is not being rapidly phased out, but the job market is gradually shifting toward modernization skills alongside COBOL knowledge.

What is the difference between Cobol Programmer vs Mainframe Developer?

AspectCobol ProgrammerMainframe Developer
Required CredentialsTypically a degree in computer science or related field; familiarity with COBOLSimilar credentials; often requires knowledge of COBOL and mainframe systems
Work EnvironmentPrimarily in legacy system maintenance, often in financial or government sectorsWorks on mainframe systems, including hardware and software components
Employer & Industry UsageFinancial institutions, government agencies, insurance companiesBanking, insurance, government, and large enterprises using mainframe systems
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

While both roles involve working with COBOL and mainframe systems, a Cobol Programmer mainly focuses on coding, debugging, and maintaining COBOL applications. A Mainframe Developer has a broader scope, including system integration, hardware, and software management within mainframe environments. Both roles are essential in legacy system operations, often overlapping in skills and industry usage.

What are COBOL Programmers?

COBOL Programmers are software developers who specialize in writing, maintaining, and updating programs using the COBOL (Common Business-Oriented Language) programming language. COBOL is widely used in legacy business, finance, and administrative systems, especially on mainframe computers. COBOL Programmers are often responsible for ensuring these critical systems continue to function efficiently, troubleshooting issues, and modernizing code to integrate with newer technologies. Their work is essential in industries like banking, insurance, and government, where COBOL-based applications remain vital.

What are some common challenges faced by COBOL Programmers working with legacy systems?

COBOL Programmers often encounter challenges such as limited or outdated documentation, making it difficult to understand and maintain legacy code. Additionally, integrating COBOL applications with modern technologies can require creative problem-solving and specialized middleware. Team collaboration is crucial, as programmers frequently work with business analysts and system architects to translate business processes into code and ensure system reliability. Staying current with evolving regulatory and security requirements is also a key part of this role.

Do COBOL programmers work remotely?

Many COBOL programmers work remotely, especially as organizations adopt flexible work arrangements. Remote work for COBOL programmers often depends on the employer, project requirements, and the need for access to legacy systems, but it has become increasingly common in the industry.

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

A Cobol Programmer should have a strong grasp of COBOL programming, mainframe systems, and experience with legacy codebases, often supported by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with tools such as IBM z/OS, JCL, CICS, and database management systems like DB2 is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure reliable maintenance and enhancement of critical business applications that many organizations still depend on.

How much do COBOL programmers make?

Cobol programmers typically earn between $60,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of projects. Senior or specialized programmers with certifications can earn higher salaries, especially in industries like finance and government that rely heavily on legacy systems.

How to Become a COBOL Programmer

COBOL is a programming language used to write code for software programs. It stands for Common Business-Oriented Language and is most commonly used in business and financial applications. You do not need a degree to become a COBOL programmer, but many employers prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, management information systems, or a related field. Focus your coursework in programming languages, code development, and software development. Other COBOL programmers learn the coding language on their own through online courses or programs at vocational schools or community colleges. Obtain an internship or part-time job that enables you to learn COBOL and other programming languages. Since many administrative offices and business organizations use COBOL programming, you may want to take some administrative courses to gain an inside perspective on the industry.

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Cobol Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cobol Programmer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 14% Contract, and 6% Nights. Highlights an 78% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $121,161 per year, or $58.3 per hour.
COBOL Programmer

COBOL Programmer

Avani Technology Solutions, Inc.

Concord, NH • On-site

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Position: COBOL Programmer
Location: Concord, NH
Duration: 6+months
Important: Candidate MUST be W2 employee of our firm.
LOCAL CANDIDATES HIGHLY PREFERRED.
Candidates located within 50 miles of Concord NH preferred and will be screened first however non-local candidates will also be considered.
Required Skills:
  • 5 years minimum COBOL experience
  • DB2 - 5 years minimum experience
  • JCL - 3 years minimum experience
  • INTERTEST (or Similar) - 3 years' experience
  • Strong Analytical and Problem Solving Skills
  • Proven Ability to both write new analyze existing programs
  • Strong SQL experience
  • Proven Ability

Preferred Skills:
  • Effective in team setting or as individual contributor
  • Ability to multi-task
  • Strong documentation skills
  • Solid communication skills (written/verbal)
  • MicroFocus COBOL is a plus

Hi-Level Responsibilities:
  • Read existing application source code to understand program flow in a large scale enterprise application
  • Modify existing COBOL Batch Programs and RPC's (real-time procedures)
  • Develop new COBOL programs
  • Modify and develop SQL
  • Reverse engineer COBOL programs providing input for a Java conversion team with program flow from existing application code and support documentation
  • Unit and integration testing

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