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Cobol Programmer Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

Bristol Bay Native Corporation

Programmer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

$60K - $65K/yr

Total Solutions, Inc. (TSI) is seeking a skilled Programmer to join our team supporting the U.S ... EXCEL, Toad, JCL, COBOL, SYNCSORT, ISPF, SQL, TSO, File Aid, IMB Informix Connect, Microsoft SQL ...

PNC Bank

Software Engineer Principal

Birmingham, AL

$126K - $169K/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 ...

Precision Resources

EDI Developer

Dothan, AL · On-site

$90K - $120K/yr

... for an EDI Developer for one of our growing clients in Dothan, Alabama. This is a permanent ... Previous experience of COBOL and/or RPG in a midrange iSeries environment desired but not required.

Harris

Develop and maintain COBOL application to support a production environment. * Write clean, scalable ... Proven experience as a Software Engineer or similar role. * Strong proficiency in MSSQL and ...

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Cobol Programmer information

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$36

$52

$86

How much do cobol programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for cobol programmer in Alabama is $52.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39.23 and $61.20 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.

More about Cobol Programmer jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Cobol Programmer jobs in Alabama? The most popular types of Cobol Programmer jobs in Alabama are:
What are popular job titles related to Cobol Programmer jobs in Alabama? For Cobol Programmer jobs in Alabama, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cobol Programmer jobs in Alabama look for? The top searched job categories for Cobol Programmer jobs in Alabama are:
What cities in Alabama are hiring for Cobol Programmer jobs? Cities in Alabama with the most Cobol Programmer job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Cobol Programmer jobs in AL? For Cobol Programmer jobs in AL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Cobol Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cobol Programmer job openings in Alabama as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $109,819 per year, or $52.8 per hour.
Junior COBOL Developer

Junior COBOL Developer

Aurum Data Solutions Inc

Birmingham, AL • On-site

$62K - $81K/yr

Other

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Junior COBOL Developer 
Birmingham, AL (Onsite)
Long term Contract

Mandatory Skills/Experience:

  • 5 years of recent experience developing applications using COBOL for CICS and batch programs.
  • Superior proficiency with mainframe applications built with JCL, COBOL, and CICS.
    Experience working with VSAM files and DB2, integrating existing designs with new requirements.
  • Strong experience developing in Mainframe environments resolving complex and conflicting design issues.
  • Ability to quickly understand complex mainframe systems.
  • Exceptional presentation and organisational skills.
  • High written and oral communication skills.
     

Desirable Skills/Experience:

  • Experience developing applications in IBM VSE mainframe environment.
  • Exposure to Mainframe troubleshooting skills (COBOL, JCL, DB2, DB2 Stored Procedures, CICS, SPUFI, File aid)
  • Experience working with stored procedures and SQL in MS SQL 2005 or above.
  • Quik job utility language experience.
  • Exposure and willingness to learn Google Cloud
  • Exposure and willingness to learn Java development skills
  • Exposure and willingness to learn Microsoft Dynamics 365 CRM platform

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