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Cobol Programmer Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Cottingham & Butler is seeking a highly motivated Software Engineer with deep AI expertise to join our IT team. This role is central to our mission of transforming how we deliver brokerage, claims ...

Cottingham & Butler is seeking a highly motivated Software Engineer with deep AI expertise to join our IT team. This role is central to our mission of transforming how we deliver brokerage, claims ...

Cottingham & Butler is seeking a highly motivated Software Engineer with deep AI expertise to join our IT team. This role is central to our mission of transforming how we deliver brokerage, claims ...

Cottingham & Butler is seeking a highly motivated Software Engineer with deep AI expertise to join our IT team. This role is central to our mission of transforming how we deliver brokerage, claims ...

As a Software Engineer, you'll build and ship features in a modern, cloud-native stack that reaches thousands of job seekers and recruiters, and you'll grow on a team that treats AI as a core part of ...

Summary The Specialist Software Engineer is focused on the design and development of web and cloud technologies to support an agile digital business. Helps define web and cloud strategies, grow ...

They are seeking a Software Engineer I to build and maintain full-stack web applications, design RESTful APIs, and collaborate with teams to ensure code quality and application performance.

Showing results 41-60

Cobol Programmer information

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$37

$54

$89

How much do cobol programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 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.

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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cobol Programmer jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Cobol Programmer jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Cobol Programmer jobs in Iowa?

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

What job categories do people searching Cobol Programmer jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Cobol Programmer jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Cobol Programmer jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Cobol Programmer job openings:

Infographic showing various Cobol Programmer job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 57% Full Time, and 43% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $113,802 per year, or $54.7 per hour.

Software Engineer 2/3

Des Moines, IA • On-site

Quest Oracle Community
IT Services • 11 - 50 employees

$85 - $120/hr

Other

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Position Title: Software Engineer 2/3

Location: Des Moines, IA, United States

The software engineer participates in the design, programming, testing, documentation and implementation of complex computer applications and systems. Evaluates software packages, provides recommendations to management and business clients, and identifies best technology solutions. Identifies future needs for key technologies and techniques and develops plans for adoption.

Responsibilities
  • Architects, designs, codes, tests, documents, implements and maintains more complex application programs and interfaces. May act as senior contributor or technical lead on small to mid-sized projects. (40%)
  • Provides technical support; problem determination and investigation; implementation of upgrades for developed applications. (20%)
  • Enhances existing systems; participates in client walkthroughs and technical design reviews. Aids in systems development planning and monitoring. Participates in design reviews and peer code walkthroughs. Provides client and application support. (10%)
  • Perform software development and ensure conformance to performance optimization and interoperability standards and requirements. Work in adherence to secure development lifecycle practices and policies. (10%)
  • Performs or assists in the research and fact-finding to develop or modify application programs. Includes working with vendors to review quality, adaptability and compatibility of their products. (5-10%)
  • Act as the subject matter expert, and consult with clients on company's IT strategy and business requirements. (0-5%)
  • Collaborate with IT teams from applications and infrastructure to identify technology deficiencies and improvement opportunities in practices and procedures. (0-5%)
  • Stay current with industry standards techniques for software development, and apply them to development, testing, integration and reporting processes where appropriate. (0-5%)
  • Consults with application users in developing functional/technical specifications. (0-5%)
  • Consults with application users, evaluates user requests for new or modified computer applications and associated interfaces to determine feasibility, cost and time required, compatibility with current systems and computer capabilities. (0-5%)
  • May guide software engineer I in the completion of assigned projects. (0-5%)
  • Provides technical input to assist in development of project planning. (0-5%)
  • Performs any additional responsibilities as requested or assigned. (0-5%)
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in management information systems (MIS), computer science or related technical field or equivalent work experience. (Typically four years of related, progressive work experience would be needed for candidates applying for this position who do not possess a bachelor's degree.)
  • A minimum of two years of experience in business software application design, development, integration and/or installation for a software engineer 2.
  • A minimum of five years of experience in business software application design, development, integration and/or installation for a software engineer 3.
  • Knowledge of programming in client/server or web development environment.
  • Experience in the industry, or in an environment whose scope, size and complexity are comparable.
  • Knowledge of open systems object design methodologies, architecture methodologies, security practices and integration techniques.
  • Knowledge of relational database technology, structured analysis concepts, and software design patterns.
  • Effective project management skills and ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks and projects concurrently.
  • Business analysis aptitude including communications and interpersonal skills enabling an understanding of client's needs. Knowledge of information technology terms, equipment, systems, functions and major vendors.
  • Experience integrating large disconnected enterprise-class systems in a robust, fault-tolerant manner consistent with industry standards.
  • Able to work in a zero-code-ownership environment where the team members can modify any source file at any time.
  • An understanding of deployment topologies (i.e. ensuring secure, highly available systems). Effective oral and written communication skills.
  • Effective analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks and projects concurrently. Availability for periodic on-call responsibilities.
  • Experience integrating Commercial off the Shelf (COTS) solutions within an environment with strong change and release management processes and procedures.
  • Technical knowledge with hands‑on experience in Oracle and Microsoft SQL database development.
  • Technical knowledge with hands‑on experience in .NET and other current computing programming languages.
  • Technical knowledge with hands‑on experience in Microsoft BizTalk Server, Microsoft SharePoint, Microsoft SQL Reporting Services and Oracle business intelligence / reporting. Understanding of company's existing IT environment and of applicable company policies, practices, and procedures.
Work Authorization/Sponsorship

At this time, we're not considering applicants that need any type of immigration sponsorship (additional work authorization or permanent work authorization) now or in the future to work in the United States. This includes, but IS NOT LIMITED TO: F1-OPT, F1-CPT, H-1B, TN, L-1, J-1, etc. For additional information around work authorization needs please use the following links. Nonimmigrant Workers and Green Card for Employment-Based Immigrants

About US

MidAmerican Energy Company, a Midwest utility, provides regulated electric and natural gas service to more than 1.6 million customers in Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota. The company owns and operates a portfolio of power-generating assets, approximately 61% of which is wind generation.

About the Team

MidAmerican Energy Company is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion or religious creed, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status (except as required by law), gender (including gender identity and expression), sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, genetic information, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, familial or parental status, marital status or any other category protected by applicable local, state or U.S. federal law. Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without an accommodation.

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