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Cobol Programmer Jobs in Alberta (NOW HIRING)

Hexagon

Software Engineer

Calgary, AB

You will have the opportunity to work closely with engineers across the broader NovAtel organization as well as with customers to implement stateoftheart positioning algorithms, perform detailed data ...

Hexagon

Software Engineer

Calgary, AB

You will have the opportunity to work closely with engineers across the broader NovAtel organization as well as with customers to implement stateoftheart positioning algorithms, perform detailed data ...

Halliburton

Software Engineer - Landmark

Calgary, AB

These are tools used daily by engineers and scientists at the world's largest energy companies and run as cloud-native SaaS platforms and as enterprise on-premises solutions. About the Role You own ...

Halliburton

Software Engineer - Landmark

Calgary, AB

These are tools used daily by engineers and scientists at the world's largest energy companies and run as cloud-native SaaS platforms and as enterprise on-premises solutions. About the Role You own ...

MongoDB

Software Engineer, Code Generation

Calgary, AB · On-site

MongoDB is seeking a Software Engineer with solid software engineering skills and a machine learning background. Joining this team, you'll be pivotal in a product engineering group dedicated to ...

Hexagon

Software Engineer (1 Year Term)

Calgary, AB

Hexagon's Autonomous Solutions division is looking for an Embedded Software Engineer (1 year term) to join our team in Calgary, Alberta. Reporting to the Software Manager, Aerospace & Defense, this ...

Fleetworthy

Software Engineer

Edmonton, AB · On-site

Communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical team members Requirements * 4+ years of experience as a backend developer * Good written and verbal communication skills * Strong ...

All JobsCobol Programmer JobsCobol Programmer Jobs in Alberta

Cobol Programmer information

See Alberta salary details

$21

$47

$76

How much do cobol programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for cobol programmer in Alberta is $47.44, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38.46 and $54.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Cobol programmer?

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.

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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cobol programmer?

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.

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.

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.

How much do Cobol programmers make?

Cobol programmers' salaries vary based on experience, location, and industry, but typically range from $60,000 to $120,000 annually. Senior developers with specialized skills in legacy systems and mainframe environments tend to earn higher wages.
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What are popular job titles related to Cobol Programmer jobs in AB?

For Cobol Programmer jobs in AB, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Cobol Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cobol Programmer job openings in Alberta as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $98,667 per year, or $47.4 per hour.

Software Engineer

Hexagon

Calgary, AB

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Hexagon's Autonomous Solutions business area is seeking an entry to intermediate level Software Engineer for the Algorithms (ALGO) group in developing market-leading GNSS solutions. You will have the opportunity to work closely with engineers across the broader NovAtel organization as well as with customers to implement stateoftheart positioning algorithms, perform detailed data analysis, and explore AI-driven methods to improve algorithm tunning or improve development efficiency. You will support some of the industry's leading companies by coordinating and demonstrating Hexagon Autonomous Solutions’ innovative products and assisting new customers in integration with their systems. 

Location: Hexagon is a global company with locations worldwide. Preference will be given to candidates in Calgary, AB. 


As a SoftwareEngineer you will be responsible for the following: 

  • Work in a team environment to research, develop, and enhance NovAtel’s industry-leading positioning algorithms 
  • Respond to in-depth customer support questions
  • Build automation tools that analyze regression results, identify what changed, link performance shifts to parameter updates, and recommend next tuning actions 
  • Collaborate with verification designers to develop automated test suites

Must-Have: 

  • B.Sc. in Geomatics/Electrical/Software Engineering or similar relevant experience 
  • Understanding of GNSS error modeling 
  • Familiar with linear and non-linear optimization and computational numerical methods 
  • C/C++ programming skills 
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills 

Key Success Factors: 

  • Confident Self-starter 
  • Proactively identify opportunities for improvement 
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and able to work effectively within a multi-disciplinary team 
  • Derive satisfaction from your work being used in demanding real-world applications 

Nice-to-Have: 

  • Experience working in Agile/Scrum teams 
  • Programming skills in Python  
  • CI/CD integrations 

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