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Cobol Programmer Government Jobs (NOW HIRING)

A.C. Coy

Cobol/IDMS Developer (Remote)

Indianapolis, IN · Remote

$48 - $65/hr

Tier One Technologies is looking for a COBOL/IDMS Developer to maintain and support a large payroll ... SELECTED CANDIDATES WITHOUT REQUIRED CLEARANCE WILL BE SUBJECT TO A FEDERAL GOVERNMENT BACKGROUND ...

A.C. Coy

Cobol/IDMS Developer (Remote)

Indianapolis, IN · On-site +1

$48 - $65/hr

Tier One Technologies is looking for a COBOL/IDMS Developer to maintain and support a large payroll ... SELECTED CANDIDATES WITHOUT REQUIRED CLEARANCE WILL BE SUBJECT TO A FEDERAL GOVERNMENT BACKGROUND ...

Dew Softech Inc

Senior COBOL /Mainframe Developer

Trenton, NJ · On-site

$49.25 - $63.25/hr

Senior COBOL /Mainframe Developer Location: Trenton, NJ (On site) Position Type: Contract In Person ... Experience supporting taxation or government revenue systems * Familiarity with CICS and online ...

Social Security Administration

COBOL Developer

Woodlawn, MD · On-site +1

$143K - $197K/yr

Summary IT Specialist (APPSW) COBOL Developer positions are being filled through the Office of ... Government) to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or ...

GDIT

Software Developer Senior (COBOL)

Albany, NY · Hybrid

$97K - $120K/yr

Software Engineering Job Qualifications: Skills: COBOL, DB2, Health Care Certifications: None ... Shape what's next for mission-critical government projects while shaping what's next for your ...

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 ... Government to determine eligibility and suitability for federal contract employment for public ...

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Cobol Programmer Government information

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How much do cobol programmer government jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for cobol programmer government 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.

What is the difference between Cobol Programmer Government vs Cobol Developer?

AspectCobol Programmer GovernmentCobol Developer
Required CredentialsTypically requires a government-specific security clearance and relevant certificationsUsually requires a general programming certification or experience, not necessarily security clearance
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, federal or state institutions with strict compliance standardsPrivate sector companies, financial institutions, or consulting firms
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in government projects maintaining legacy systemsAcross various industries including finance, insurance, and technology
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared based on security clearance and government-specific requirementsCompared based on industry versatility and project scope

In summary, Cobol Programmer Government roles focus on maintaining legacy systems within government agencies, often requiring security clearances. Cobol Developers work across multiple industries with broader project scopes, typically without government-specific credentials.

How much are COBOL programmers paid?

Cobol programmers working for government agencies typically earn between $70,000 and $110,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and security clearance requirements. Salaries may be higher for those with specialized skills or certifications in mainframe environments and legacy system maintenance.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a COBOL programmer in government?

To thrive as a COBOL Programmer in government, you need strong proficiency in COBOL programming, mainframe environments, and a solid understanding of legacy systems, often backed by a degree in computer science or a related field. Familiarity with tools such as IBM z/OS, JCL, and databases like DB2, along with any relevant security clearances or certifications, is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and clear communication are vital soft skills for maintaining critical government applications and collaborating with cross-functional teams. These skills ensure the reliability, security, and continued operation of essential government systems that often run on legacy platforms.

Are Cobol programmers still in demand?

Cobol programmers are still in demand for maintaining and updating legacy systems in government, finance, and insurance sectors. These roles often require knowledge of mainframe environments and skills in debugging, testing, and modernization of Cobol applications.

What are some typical challenges faced by COBOL programmers working in government agencies?

COBOL programmers in government settings often encounter challenges such as maintaining and updating legacy systems that are critical to operations but may lack comprehensive documentation. They frequently work on integrating these older systems with modern technologies, which requires both technical expertise and careful coordination with cross-functional IT teams. Additionally, strict compliance and security standards can add complexity to projects, requiring diligence to ensure all updates adhere to regulatory requirements. Despite these challenges, the role offers stable employment and opportunities to become a subject matter expert in legacy technologies vital to public services.

What is a COBOL programmer in government?

COBOL Programmers in the government sector are IT professionals who specialize in writing, maintaining, and updating software systems using the COBOL programming language. Many government agencies still rely on legacy systems built in COBOL for critical operations such as tax processing, social security, and benefits administration. These programmers ensure that these systems run smoothly, remain secure, and are updated to meet new policy requirements. Their expertise is essential for maintaining continuity and reliability in government services.
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What cities are hiring for Cobol Programmer Government jobs? Cities with the most Cobol Programmer Government job openings:
What states have the most Cobol Programmer Government jobs? States with the most job openings for Cobol Programmer Government jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Cobol Programmer Government jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Cobol Programmer Government jobs are:
Cobol Programmer Government jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cobol Programmer Government job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $121,161 per year, or $58.3 per hour.

Cobol/IDMS Developer (Remote)

A.C. Coy

Indianapolis, IN • Remote

$48 - $65/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Overview
  • Tier One Technologies is looking for a COBOL/IDMS Developer to maintain and support a large payroll application as well as helping in the database environment.
  • This will be a 100% remote Contract-to-Hire position.
  • Must be a US Citizen.
  • SELECTED CANDIDATES WITHOUT REQUIRED CLEARANCE WILL BE SUBJECT TO A FEDERAL GOVERNMENT BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION TO RECEIVE IT.
Responsibilities
  • Design, develop and modify software systems, using scientific analysis and mathematical models to predict and measure outcomes and consequences of design.
  • Coordinate software system installations and monitor equipment functioning to ensure specifications are met.
  • Modify existing databases and database management systems.
  • Write and code logical and physical database descriptions and specify identifiers of database to management system or direct others in coding descriptions.
  • Work as part of a project team to coordinate database development and determine project scope and limitations.
  • Conduct multidisciplinary research and collaborate with equipment designers and/or hardware engineers in the planning, design, development, and utilization of electronic data processing systems for product and commercial software.
  • Determine computer user needs; analyze system capabilities to resolve problems on program intent, output requirements, input data acquisition, programming techniques and controls; prepare operating instructions; design and develop compilers and assemblers, utility programs, and operating systems.
  • Ensure software standards are met. Analyze user needs and software requirements to determine feasibility of design within time and cost constraints.
  • Confer with systems analysts, engineers, programmers and others to design systems and to obtain information on project limitations and capabilities, performance requirements and interfaces.
  • Review project requests describing database user needs to estimate time and cost required to accomplish project.
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field required.
  • 8+ years of IBM z/OS-based mainframe experience using COBOL, JCL, TSO, ISPF, Endevor, and REXX.
  • Expertise working with the CA IDMS system, with the ability to perform the following:
    • CA IDMS database installation & maintenance
    • CA IDMS buffer tuning
    • CA IDMS index tuning
    • CA IDMS system generation
    • CA IDMS security administration
  • Must have active CompTIA Security+ certification.
  • Ability of designing, coding and testing software requirements.
  • Familiarity with computer development software as it relates to systems, such as SQL, Visual Basic, etc.
  • Basic knowledge of the full software development lifecycle: from business/systems analysis, through requirements gathering and functional specification authoring, to development, testing and delivery.
  • Familiarity and knowledge of the Agile methodology is a plus.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills, problem solving skills, customer service and interpersonal skills.
  • Must be a US Citizen and be able to obtain a DoD Public Trust clearance.
  • Must not have traveled outside the US for a combined total of 6 months or more in the last 5 years.
  • Must have resided in the US for the last 5 years.
Employment Type: OTHER
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About A.C. Coy Company- Staffing & Consulting Services

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Since 1986, our mission is to be the “Always on Target” staffing and consulting provider by helping people and companies achieve their hiring goals. The team is dedicated to achieving these goals by attracting and retaining top talent that meets our clients’ culture and environment. We are fully engaged with our people and companies through ongoing communication to ensure expectations are met.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Canonsburg, PA, US

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