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Cobol Programmer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Mainframe Developer

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$50.25 - $64.50/hr

Our company provides application analysis, design, development and programming, software ... Hogan, COBOL, DB2, JCL, VSAM, Mainframe Utilities NOTE: ONLY US CITIZEN's OR GREEN CARD HOLDERS.

Senior Computer Programmer

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

The programming languages most often used are C, C++, and Java, with Fortran and COBOL used less commonly. Job Requirements Experience: * 7 years of professional experience in computer design ...

Our client is seeking a Senior DataStage Engineer to design, develop, and maintain enterprise ETL ... Modernize legacy mainframe batch processes by translating existing COBOL/JCL logic into DataStage ...

Mid Computer Programmer

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

The programming languages most often used are C, C++, and Java, with Fortran and COBOL used less commonly. Job Requirements Experience: * 3 years of professional experience in computer design ...

Mainframe developer

Mclean, VA

$49.50 - $63.75/hr

The company is primarily focused on information technology, engineering, healthcare, financial ... Experience in Mainframe (COBOL/JCL/DB2/IMS/CICS) - must have. Must have - Mainframe and IMS Good in ...

Mainframe Developer/Engineer

Reston, VA · Hybrid

$51 - $65.50/hr

Mainframe Developer/Engineer Hybrid, once a month onsite in Reston, VA. Candidates MUST reside in ... Required: 5+ years of experience in Mainframe development Strong experience working with COBOL and ...

Mainframe Developer/Engineer

Reston, VA · Hybrid

$51 - $65.50/hr

Mainframe Developer/Engineer Hybrid, once a month onsite in Reston, VA. Candidates MUST reside in ... Required: 5+ years of experience in Mainframe development Strong experience working with COBOL and ...

Sr. Mainframe Developer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$58 - $60/hr

Sr. Mainframe Developer in McLean VA Client: Capco/Freddie Mac Location: Fully onsite in McLean, VA ... Proven experience as a Mainframe Development with Cobol and JCL * Strong data analysis skills.

Senior Java Developer

Ashburn, VA

$58.50 - $74.75/hr

We are looking for a Senior Java Developer to manage the software development life cycle, from planning and prioritizing to testing and release and help with the migration of a COBOL app to Java.

Sr. Mainframe Developer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$58 - $60/hr

Sr. Mainframe Developer in McLean VA Client: Capco/Freddie Mac Location: Fully onsite in McLean, VA ... Proven experience as a Mainframe Development with Cobol and JCL * Strong data analysis skills.

Showing results 21-40

Cobol Programmer information

See Virginia salary details

$40

$57

$94

How much do cobol programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for cobol programmer in Virginia is $57.75, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42.88 and $66.97 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 Virginia?

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

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

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

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Cobol Programmer jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Cobol Programmer job openings:

Infographic showing various Cobol Programmer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 6% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,121 per year, or $57.8 per hour.

Software Developer II

Alpha Consulting Corp.

Herndon, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Design, develop, code, test, and debug software components using COBOL, Java, and AWS.

  • Collaborate as part of an agile team to deliver software solutions, participate in sprint ceremonies, and review code.

  • Provide requirements analysis, create and document solutions, and support the implementation of scalable, high-usability applications.


Job description

Job Summary:
Alpha Consulting Corp. is seeking a Software Developer II to contribute to the development and maintenance of systems for United States Medicare beneficiaries. The role involves working in an agile team, coding primarily in COBOL with some Java and AWS components, and collaborating to enhance solutions for a best-in-class customer experience.
Responsibilities:
• Uses expertise to design develop, code, test, and debug software.
• Effectively collaborate as part of an agile team in the delivery of software components which includes participation in sprint ceremonies such as backlog refinement, sprint planning, scrum meetings and retrospectives.
• Demonstrate strong architecture and design skills, building high-performance code using COBOL, JAVA and AWS.
• Design and implement highly scalable - interactive applications with high usability.
• Collaborate with product teams to iterate ideas on data products/services and define feasibility.
• Provide requirements analysis, software design, development, coding, testing, and debugging of custom solutions.
• Document solutions and specifications, create and complete user stories via Jira, and collaborate with team members and stakeholders.
• Create back-end components using COBOL, JAVA, Github and AWS.
• Perform peer reviews of application code.
• May work in one or several areas, such as equipment or software design, engineering evaluation or test, configuration management procedures, statistical analysis and modeling.
• Provides analytical support and technical advice during the conceptualization, development, and implementation phases.
• Reviews and evaluates systems and software for adherence to government or commercial directives, standards, guidelines, and criteria concerning software safety and systems safety.
• Confirms design mitigations are captured in the design and its documentation and verifies implementation.
• Identify problems uncovered by testing or customer feedback and provide resolution.
Qualifications:
Required:
• BS or advanced degree in Computer Science, IT, or related field
• 8+ years Software Development experience
• Experience working in an Agile environment
• Experience with modern programming languages and technologies including Java and related tools and frameworks
• Experience within a mainframe environment utilizing COBOL/JCL/PROCS, TSO, ISPF, and SDSF required
• Experience defining and updating VSAM and sequential files required
• Mainframe CICS experience required
• Excellent verbal and written communication, problem solving, customer service, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently within tight deadlines
• Experience building, troubleshooting, and supporting enterprise applications
Preferred:
• Experience using Github, Jira, and/or Confluence preferred
Company:
Alpha Consulting Corp. has been exceeding expectations in the IT, pharmaceutical, and clinical staffing business since 1994. Founded in 1994, the company is headquartered in East Brunswick, USA, with a team of 201-500 employees. The company is currently Growth Stage.

Alpha Consulting logo

About Alpha Consulting

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Alpha Consulting is headquartered in East Brunswick, NJ, US and operates in the consulting sector. As a high-visibility consultant in the IT and pharmaceutical services industry, they deliver comprehensive project, process, and applications management solutions to businesses across these sectors. Empowering their clients to achieve their objectives through innovative and cost-effective strategies is the core belief of Alpha. Their mission is to offer experienced consulting and IT services that help clients attain their business objectives by seamlessly bridging the gap between business goals and technology implementation.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

East Brunswick, NJ, US

Year founded

1994

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