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Cobol Programmer Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Infojini Inc

Cobol Developer

Springfield, IL · On-site

$49.75 - $67.50/hr

An experienced developer with mainframe/COBOL experience to work in business application development. Environment and tools are IBM Mainframe platform, z/OS operating system, TSO/ISPF and DB2.

Infojini Inc

Cobol Developer

Springfield, IL · On-site

$49.75 - $67.50/hr

An experienced developer with mainframe/COBOL experience to work in business application development. Environment and tools are IBM Mainframe platform, z/OS operating system, TSO/ISPF and DB2.

Capgemini

Cobol Developer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90K - $118K/yr

Dearborn, MI Job Summary We are seeking an experienced Mainframe/COBOL Developer to support a critical legacy insurance platform (CPS) and assist with data preparation activities for migration to ...

New

United Airlines

Cobol Developer

Chicago, IL

$90K - $118K/yr

Dearborn, MI Job Summary We are seeking an experienced Mainframe/COBOL Developer to support a critical legacy insurance platform (CPS) and assist with data preparation activities for migration to ...

New

Atria Group LLC

Mainframe/Cobol developer

Bloomington, IL

$47 - $60.50/hr

Mainframe/Cobol developer * Resource needed with industry knowledge/experience of IBM's Rational Asset Analyzer (RAA) tool. * Preferable, but not mandatory is additional knowledge/experience of ...

Staffingine LLC

Tandem Developer

Rolling Meadows, IL · On-site

$49.25 - $63.25/hr

Proficiency in Tandem programming languages such as COBOL and TACL * Knowledge of Tandem database systems like Enscribe or SQLMP * Familiarity with Tandem utilities such as Pathway TMF and Guardian

Sarian, Inc.

AS400 Synon Engineer

Schaumburg, IL · On-site +1

AS400 Synon Engineer Must Have Technical/Functional Skills iSeries, SYNON, COBOL, AS400 (Mid-Range), ILE, COBOL/400, CLLE, SQL • Strong functional knowledge of core PBM functions specifically core ...

TEKsystems

AI Machine Learning Engineer

Bloomington, IL · Remote

$50 - $70/hr

This individual will play a critical role in transforming legacy Micro Focus COBOL and underwriting ... Some of the APIs provide data and this side of AWS plus the prompt engineering side of it. Lambdas ...

Noblesoft Technologies

Tandem Developer

Chicago, IL · On-site

Write, test, and debug code using Tandem-specific programming languages such as COBOL, TACL. Desired skills: * Develop and maintain Tandem-based batch and online transaction processing systems.

Kanak Elite Services Inc

Mainframe Developer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$50.50 - $65/hr

MAINFRAME DEVELOPER Location: Chicago, IL (Full Onsite, Open to Relocating Candidates) Visa: Any ... · COBOL, CICS, DB2, JCL, CA7 · Financial industry experience is a bonus Thanks & Regards ...

Amaze Systems Inc.

Senior Developer

Naperville, IL · On-site

$54.50 - $72/hr

Technical Skills (APPS)-Mainframe-Language-Mainframe - COBOL Job : Technical Lead Other Requirement ... Developer Mandatory Skills Mainframe Cobol (Primary) JCL CICS VSAM Unix Shell scripting is ...

Capgemini

z/OS Connect API Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$73K - $174K/yr

Expose existing CICS, COBOL, and DB2 transactions as modern API services. * Create and maintain API ... RACF Development & DevOps * GitHub * CI/CD Pipelines * Git-based Version Control * Gradle Build ...

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All JobsCobol Programmer JobsCobol Programmer Jobs in Illinois

Cobol Programmer information

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How much do cobol programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for cobol programmer in Illinois is $56.45, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41.92 and $65.43 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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Cobol Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cobol Programmer job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 7% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,408 per year, or $56.4 per hour.

Senior COBOL Programmer - 2 Openings

DivIHN

Springfield, IL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

For further inquiries regarding the following opportunity, please contact our Talent Specialist, Abdul at (224) 507-1295 or Saravanakumar at (224) 507-1183
Title: Senior COBOL Programmer - 2 Openings
Location: Onsite in Springfield, IL
Duration: 6 Months with the possiblility of conversion to Full-Time
Schedule - Monday - Friday: 8 AM - 4:30 PM
Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week, with 7.5 hours per day.
Only W2 candidates are eligible for this position. Third-party or C2C candidates will not be considered.
Job Description
Background and Purpose
The organization requires a highly experienced Senior COBOL Programmer to provide development, maintenance, and production support for mainframe-based applications that are critical to business operations.
Scope of Work
The Senior COBOL Programmer will be responsible for the following activities:
• Analyze, design, develop, test, implement, and maintain COBOL-based applications running on IBM z/OS or equivalent mainframe environments.
• Work with JCL, VSAM, CICS, DB2, and other legacy technologies as required.
• Perform system analysis, code reviews, and troubleshoot production issues in real time.
• Develop and maintain technical documentation, including design specs, program logic, and operational procedures.
• Collaborate with technical teams, business analysts, and stakeholders to ensure accurate requirement translation and timely delivery.
• Ensure compliance with security, audit, and quality standards.
Technical Qualifications
The Senior COBOL Programmer must meet the following minimum qualifications:
• 10+ years of experience programming in COBOL on IBM mainframe systems.
• Extensive experience with JCL, VSAM, CICS, DB2, and mainframe debugging tools.
• Familiarity with batch processing environments.
• Experience supporting production systems.
• Excellent communication and problem solving skills.
Performance Standards
• Code quality meets organization standards with minimal defects.
• Resolution of production issues within defined SLAs.
• Deliverables completed on schedule.
• Documentation maintained in accordance with department requirements.
• Effective collaboration with team members and stakeholders.
Confidentiality & Compliance
The contractor must adhere to all organizational policies, data governance, confidentiality requirements, and regulatory standards.

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