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Cobol Programmer Government Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Omega Solutions Inc

Cobol Mainframe DB2 Developer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

$47.75 - $61.25/hr

Minimum of 10 years of experience in corporate or government as programmer analyst. * Minimum of 5 years of experience exposing CICS and COBOL programs as web services via CICS Transaction Server ...

532 Group LLC

Mainframe (COBOL, IDz) Developer

$86K/yr

Engineering and delivering secure mission capabilities for critical government operations. 532 ... COBOL, JCL, VSAM, IDz, and CICS) . You'll join a great team; a good personality and strong work ...

PlanIT Group, LLC

Mainframe z/OS Developer

$50.25 - $64.50/hr

PlanIT Group, LLC is seeking a Mainframe z/OS Developer with extensive experience in COBOL ... talent to various commercial and government customers. Founded in 2010, the company is ...

Infojini Inc

Mainframe Programmer

Raleigh, NC · On-site

Minimum of 5 years of experience in corporate or government as programmer analyst. Proven ... Experience exposing CICS and COBOL programs as web services via CICS Transaction Server (CTS ...

WATI

Mainframe Application Programmer

Downey, CA · On-site

... government regulations; infrastructure requirements, database management principles and ... Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills in an IMS/Cobol mainframe environment. * This ...

nLeague

Mainframe Systems Programer

Hartford, CT · On-site

$55.50 - $70.50/hr

Mainframe Mainframe Programmer/ Developer Location: Hybrid- 55 Farmington Avenue Hartford ... Perform COBOL program analysis and code modifications to support data extraction, transformation ...

InstantServe LLC

Mainframe Systems Programmer

Hartford, CT · On-site

$55.50 - $70.50/hr

Modify, maintain, and enhance COBOL programs and JCL scripts to support migration activities ... Experience in government, healthcare, insurance, or financial services environments. * Familiarity ...

InstantServe LLC

Mainframe Systems Programmer

Hartford, CT · On-site

$55.50 - $70.50/hr

Modify, maintain, and enhance COBOL programs and JCL scripts to support migration activities ... Experience in government, healthcare, insurance, or financial services environments. * Familiarity ...

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Cobol Programmer Government information

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$40

$58

$95

How much do cobol programmer government jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 30, 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 do COBOL programmers get 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 can vary based on the complexity of projects and the level of expertise in legacy systems and mainframe environments.

Are COBOL developers still in demand?

COBOL developers are still in demand in government and financial sectors that rely on legacy mainframe systems. Many organizations seek experienced programmers to maintain and update these systems, often requiring knowledge of mainframe environments and tools like JCL and DB2. While new development is limited, legacy system support remains a stable job area for COBOL programmers.

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

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 in certain government and financial sectors that rely on legacy mainframe systems. These roles often require knowledge of mainframe environments, debugging, and maintenance of existing COBOL code. While new development is limited, experienced COBOL programmers are valued for system updates and migrations.

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.

Does the US government still use COBOL?

Yes, the US government still uses COBOL for many legacy systems, especially in financial and administrative applications. COBOL programmers are in demand to maintain and update these systems, which often require knowledge of mainframe environments and batch processing.

What are COBOL Programmers in the government sector?

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.
More about Cobol Programmer Government jobs
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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Locum Tenens, 7% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 7% Contract, and 10% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $121,161 per year, or $58.3 per hour.
Software Developer Senior (COBOL)

Software Developer Senior (COBOL)

General Dynamics Information Technology

Albany, NY • Hybrid

$97K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

General Dynamics Information Technology rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 63 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

71st of 207 rated it services

Job description

REQ#: RQ220158Public Trust: None Requisition Type: Regular Your Impact

Own your opportunity to work alongside federal civilian agencies. Make an impact by providing services that help the government ensure the well being and support of U.S. citizens.

Job Description

SOFTWARE DEVELOPER SENIOR (COBOL)

Transform technology into opportunity as a Software Developer Senior at GDIT. Shape whats next for mission-critical government projects while shaping whats next for your engineering career.

MEANINGFUL WORK AND PERSONAL IMPACT

As a Software Developer Senior, the work youll do at GDIT will be impactful to the mission of the New York State Department of Heath Medicaid Management Information System. You will play a crucial role in supporting the eMedNY Systems Development, Application Development team. As a Software Developer Senior, you will be trusted to code functional programs and applications associated with the eMedNY program.

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 have an analytical mindset and a keen eye for detail. The goal is to write clean and flawless code to produce fully functional software applications according to requirements and design.

Our offices are located at Corporate Woods in Albany, NY.

Responsibilities will include, but not limited to:

  • Perform analysis, design, development, testing, documentation, maintenance and support of complex applications and processes.
  • Meet eMedNY Program standards associated with specification development, coding, code review, unit and string testing, and related documentation.
  • Create appropriate documentation artifacts associated with the SDLC stage for review and approval.
  • Assist in preparing effort and duration estimates associated with systemic enhancements.
  • Assist in production and other support activities and resolve issues that may arise.
  • Stay abreast of industry technical and development trends and remain current with standards.
  • Keep abreast of competitor products and industry trends.

WHAT YOULL NEED TO SUCCEED
Bring your engineering expertise along with a drive for innovation to GDIT. The Software Developer Senior must have:

  • Education: Bachelors degree or equivalent in Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering or a related discipline
  • Required Experience:
    • 5+ years of IT experience
    • 5+ years of COBOL, CICS and DB2
  • Required Technical Skills:
    • COBOL, CICS and DB2
    • Structured Query Language (SQL)
    • Mainframe technologies and open systems interfaces and technologies
    • Knowledge and experience with NYS MMIS or other Healthcare
    • Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) - HIPAA X12 5010 and NCPDP D.0
  • Required Skills and Abilities:
    • Strong interpersonal and communication skills to communicate with customers, support personnel, application development personnel and management
    • Ability to work in a team environment with multiple team members, as well as productively as an individual.
    • Ability to work under pressure and adhere to tight deadlines with a strong attention to detail required
  • Preferred Skills:
    • IBM WebSphere Application Server (WAS)
    • Java Platform, Enterprise Edition (J2EE)
    • Java (multithreaded programming)
    • Java Message Service (JMS)
    • Java Unit Testing Framework (JUnit)
    • Spring Framework (Core, Boot, Batch, Data, REST)
    • Front-end frameworks like HTML/CSS/JavaScript/jQuery, Angular JS
    • SOAP/RESTful Web Services
    • Apache Ant, Maven
    • XML Related Technologies - XSD, XPath, XSLT, etc.
    • Eclipse IDE
    • Linux
    • Knowledge of Agile Scrum methodology
    • Knowledge of Atlassian Jira and Confluence, or similar tools
  • Location: Hybrid


GDIT IS YOUR PLACE
At GDIT, the mission is our purpose, and our people are at the center of everything we do.
Growth: AI-powered career tool that identifies career steps and learning opportunities
Support: An internal mobility team focused on helping you achieve your career goals
Rewards: Comprehensive benefits and wellness packages, 401K with company match, and competitive pay and paid time off
Flexibility: Full-flex work week to own your priorities at work and at home
Community: Award-winning culture of innovation and a military-friendly workplace
OWN YOUR OPPORTUNITY
Explore a career in software development at GDIT and youll find endless opportunities to grow alongside colleagues who share your dedication to advancing innovation.

Work Requirements
Years of Experience

5 + years of related experience

* may vary based on technical training, certification(s), or degree

Certification
Travel Required

None

Salary and Benefit Information

The likely salary range for this position is $97,968 - $120,750. This is not, however, a guarantee of compensation or salary. Rather, salary will be set based on experience, geographic location and possibly contractual requirements and could fall outside of this range.
View information about benefits and our total rewards program.

Our Identity Verification Process

As part of the hiring process, we will ask you to complete an identity verification process that leverages advanced biometrics and artificial intelligence to ensure authenticity and protect against identity fraud. You are expected to be on camera during virtual interviews. We reserve the right to take your picture to verify your identity and prevent fraud. By proceeding, you authorize the collection, processing, and use of your biometric data for identity verification and security purposes.

About Our Work

We are GDIT. A global technology and professional services company that delivers technology solutions and mission services to every major agency across the U.S. government, defense and intelligence community. Our 26,000 experts extract the power of technology to create immediate value and deliver solutions at the edge of innovation. We operate across 50+ countries worldwide, offering leading mission-ready capabilities in AI, cloud, cyber and software development.

Join our Talent Community to stay up to date on our career opportunities and events at gdit.com/tc.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Individuals with Disabilities / Protected Veterans

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About General Dynamics Information Technology

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GDIT is a global technology and professional services company that delivers technology solutions and mission services to every major agency across the U.S. government, defense, and intelligence community. Its 30,000 experts extract the power of technology to create immediate value and deliver solutions at the edge of innovation. The company operates across 50+ countries worldwide, offering leading capabilities in digital modernization, AI/ML, cloud, cyber, and application development.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

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