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Cobol Programmer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

TekCommands Inc

Sr Mainframe Developer / Support

Mclean, VA · On-site

$49.50 - $63.75/hr

Exposure to Job control language program execution Exposure to COBOL DB2 program coding, Application development using CICS Exposure to Processing VSAM datasets and Dataset allocation, ISPF/PDF

Genworth Financial

Senior Software Engineer

Richmond, VA · Hybrid

$121K - $159K/yr

Senior Software Engineer - COBOL This role is not eligible for sponsorship. POSITION LOCATION: Lynchburg/Richmond, VA This position is available to Virginia residents in Richmond, Virginia or ...

Genworth Financial

Senior Software Engineer

Lynchburg, VA · Hybrid

$119K - $157K/yr

Senior Software Engineer - COBOL This role is not eligible for sponsorship. POSITION LOCATION: Lynchburg/Richmond, VA This position is available to Virginia residents in Richmond, Virginia or ...

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Cobol Programmer information

See Virginia salary details

$40

$57

$94

How much do cobol programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 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 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 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.

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 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.

How much do Cobol programmers make?

Cobol programmers' salaries vary based on experience, location, and industry, but they typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually. Senior or specialized programmers with certifications and extensive experience 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.

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Cobol Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cobol Programmer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 44% Full Time, and 56% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $120,121 per year, or $57.8 per hour.

Sr Mainframe Developer / Support

TekCommands Inc

Mclean, VA • On-site

$49.50 - $63.75/hr

Contractor

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Mandatory skills:

Experience in mainframe systems

Experience in Application Support

Strong communication skills

A minimum 8 - 10 years of systems analysis/application development experience Background in development in core Mainframe Systems Experience with Cobol, CICS, JCL, VSAM, DB2. Must have good knowledge on Easytrieve, CA-7 and exposure to CICS(would be nice to have), PANVALET, XPEDITOR, PANAPT, FILEAID, Experience with files structures(VSAM, GDG, Fixed Block, Variable Block), ISPS, TSO, FTP etc. Exposure to Job control language program execution Exposure to COBOL DB2 program coding, Application development using CICS Exposure to Processing VSAM datasets and Dataset allocation, ISPF/PDF •Experience with Ezytrive & REXX (GOOD TO HAVE) •Experience with Job Scheduling, Incident management, Problem Management •Able to investigate complex business cases and come up with an explanation by code. •Previous experience in Banking is compulsory •Contribute as part of a development & production support team. •Excellent problem-solving skills to assist in issue resolution. •Experience in working with documentation and document repositories. •Strong verbal and written communication skills.