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Cobol Programmer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Marshall Technologies

COBOL Developer

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$49 - $66.25/hr

COBOL Developer Location: Des Moines, IA (Onsite) Duration: 12+ Months Type: Contract (W2/C2C) Job Overview: We are seeking a seasoned COBOL Developer with 6+ years of experience in mainframe ...

Omni Inclusive

Mainframe - COBOL

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$48.25 - $62/hr

COBOL, ASSEMBLER, JCL, DB2/VSAM, CyberLife Extensive experience in designing, developing, testing, and deploying COBOL, Assembler, SQL, JCL, IMS DBDC, DB2. Expert with Mainframe, SOA services and ...

IMT Insurance

Senior Programmer Analyst

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

$44 - $59.50/hr

Required : • BA/BS Degree Preferred : • Experience programming in COBOL • Knowledge of JCL, DB2, CICS, Fileaid, TSO. Experience on IBM Z/OS mainframe is a plus. • Good working knowledge of ...

Saige Partners

Mainframe Developer

Davenport, IA · On-site

$46.50 - $59.75/hr

Analyze existing legacy COBOL, JCL, and PL/1 code within the IBM Mainframe environment. * Break ... Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field preferred. If you are ...

Saige Partners

Mainframe Developer

Davenport, IA · On-site

$46.50 - $59.75/hr

Analyze existing legacy COBOL, JCL, and PL/1 code within the IBM Mainframe environment. Break down ... Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field preferred. If you are ...

IMT Insurance

Senior Programmer Analyst

West Des Moines, IA · On-site

$87K - $117K/yr

Experience programming in COBOL * Knowledge of JCL, DB2, CICS, Fileaid, TSO. Experience on IBM Z/OS mainframe is a plus. * Good working knowledge of SQL language. Ability to create own queries, write ...

Veracity

Senior IT Manufacturing Developer

Davenport, IA · On-site

Job Title: Senior IT Manufacturing Developer Location: Davenport, Iowa Employment Type: Full-Time ... We are looking for a driven, experienced IT professional with strong expertise in COBOL , a passion ...

Bitco Corporation

Mainframe Developer

Davenport, IA · Hybrid

$43.50 - $55.75/hr

IBM Mainframe experience in JCL, TSO, COBOL, PL/I, and Easytrieve * Systems analysis, design, and programming * Maintaining and writing code using current Microsoft products or languages specific to ...

BITCO Insurance Companies

Mainframe Developer

Davenport, IA · On-site +1

$43.50 - $55.75/hr

IBM Mainframe experience in JCL, TSO, COBOL, PL/I, and Easytrieve * Systems analysis, design, and programming * Maintaining and writing code using current Microsoft products or languages specific to ...

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All JobsCobol Programmer JobsCobol Programmer Jobs in Iowa

Cobol Programmer information

See Iowa salary details

$37

$54

$89

How much do cobol programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for cobol programmer in Iowa is $54.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40.62 and $63.46 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 Iowa? The most popular types of Cobol Programmer jobs in Iowa are:
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What cities in Iowa are hiring for Cobol Programmer jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Cobol Programmer job openings:
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Cobol Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cobol Programmer job openings in Iowa as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Contract. Highlights an 85% In-person, 10% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,802 per year, or $54.7 per hour.

COBOL Developer

Marshall Technologies

Des Moines, IA • On-site

$49 - $66.25/hr

Contractor

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Job Title: COBOL Developer

Location: Des Moines, IA (Onsite)
Duration: 12+ Months
Type: Contract (W2/C2C)

Job Overview:

We are seeking a seasoned COBOL Developer with 6+ years of experience in mainframe application development and support. The ideal candidate should have strong expertise in COBOL, JCL, DB2, and related legacy technologies. This role involves working closely with business analysts, QA teams, and other developers to maintain, enhance, and support critical business applications.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Design, develop, test, implement, and support mainframe-based applications using COBOL, JCL, DB2, VSAM, and CICS.

  • Translate application storyboards and use cases into functional programs.

  • Analyze business and functional requirements and convert them into scalable technical solutions.

  • Participate in the full software development life cycle including requirements gathering, design, development, testing, and implementation.

  • Troubleshoot and resolve issues in production and development environments.

  • Write clean, efficient, reusable, and well-documented code.

  • Perform performance tuning, code optimization, and debugging.

  • Participate in code reviews, testing activities, and contribute to automation and best practices.

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure quality and timely delivery of solutions.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

  • 6+ years of hands-on experience in COBOL, JCL, DB2, VSAM, and CICS.

  • Experience with mainframe job scheduling and change management tools (e.g., Endevor).

  • Strong knowledge of SQL, data structures, and relational database principles.

  • Experience in reporting/analytics using mainframe tools and processes.

  • Solid understanding of scalable application design principles and software engineering best practices.

  • Familiarity with ServiceNow, Eclipse, DB Visualizer, or Microsoft SQL Server is a plus.

  • Excellent problem-solving and debugging skills.

  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Attributes:

  • Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.

  • Strong organizational and documentation skills.

  • Experience in production support and handling critical business applications.

Tools & Technologies:

  • Languages: COBOL, JCL, SQL

  • Databases: DB2, VSAM

  • Transaction Processing: CICS

  • Version Control & Change Management: Endevor

  • Tools/Software: ServiceNow, Eclipse, DB Visualizer, MS SQL Server