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Cobol Programmer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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

Mainframe CICS Systems Engineer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$49.50 - $63.75/hr

The Mainframe CICS Systems Programmer/Engineer is responsible for all phases of CICS engineering ... Assembler, COBOL and REXX coding and knowledge of CICS Exits Web application support in a CICS TS ...

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 ...

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 ...

Skilled in COBOL, IMS DB, DATAVAN, JCL (all skills mandatory) , SAS, REXX, EASYTRIEVE, JOB TRAC ... It provides strategic business consulting, technology, engineering and outsourcing services to help ...

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Cobol Programmer information

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$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.

Vice President of Modernization with Security Clearance

ECS

Hampton, VA • On-site

$290K - $320K/yr

Other

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Job Description ECS is seeking a Vice President of Modernization to work remotely . The Vice President of Modernization & AI is a senior technology executive responsible for leading enterprise modernization, artificial intelligence development, automation, and digital transformation initiatives. This role will define and execute a modernization strategy that enables organizations to transition from legacy technology platforms to scalable, cloud-based, AI-enabled environments while improving operational efficiency, customer experience, agility, and long-term technology sustainability. The VP will lead the development and deployment of AI solutions, establish enterprise AI capabilities and governance, and identify opportunities to apply generative AI, intelligent automation, machine learning, and advanced analytics across the organization. The role will also provide strategic leadership for legacy modernization efforts, including the migration and transformation of COBOL/mainframe applications to modern cloud architectures. Primary Responsibilities * Develop and execute an enterprise modernization strategy aligned to business objectives, technology strategy, and long-term growth. * Lead the development, implementation, and scaling of AI and generative AI solutions across the enterprise. * Establish an AI innovation roadmap focused on measurable business outcomes, automation, productivity, revenue generation, and improved customer experiences. * Identify opportunities to use AI, intelligent automation, machine learning, and analytics to eliminate manual processes and modernize legacy operations. * Lead modernization of legacy applications, including the assessment, transformation, refactoring, and migration of COBOL/mainframe workloads to cloud-native platforms. * Establish repeatable approaches for application discovery, code analysis, automated code conversion, testing, data migration, and cloud deployment. * Leverage AI-assisted development and automation to accelerate legacy application modernization while reducing cost, risk, and migration timelines. * Partner with engineering, architecture, cybersecurity, data, infrastructure, and business teams to deliver modernization programs at enterprise scale. * Establish modern software engineering practices including DevSecOps, CI/CD, APIs, microservices, cloud-native development, and automated testing. * Evaluate emerging AI technologies, platforms, and vendors and determine their applicability to enterprise modernization. * Establish appropriate AI governance, security, privacy, responsible AI, and model-management practices. * Build and lead high-performing teams of AI engineers, architects, software engineers, data scientists, modernization specialists, and technology program leaders. * Develop business cases, investment strategies, roadmaps, and ROI measurements for modernization and AI initiatives. * Manage strategic technology partners and oversee delivery against performance, cost, quality, and business objectives. * Establish modernization metrics and executive dashboards that demonstrate progress, cost savings, productivity improvements, and business value. * Champion a culture of continuous innovation, experimentation, automation, and modernization across the organization. Leadership Responsibilities * Lead transformation combining deep technical understanding with executive-level business acumen. * Move an organization from legacy technology and traditional development practices toward an AI-enabled, automated, cloud-first operating model. * Facilitate executive discussions on enterprise program performance, emerging risks, and strategic delivery priorities. * Build communities of practice that elevate program management capability across Everforth ECS. Success Measures Success in this role will be measured by the organization's ability to: * Accelerate adoption of production-ready AI solutions. * Generate measurable productivity, cost, and operational improvements through AI and automation. * Reduce reliance on legacy technology platforms. * Accelerate COBOL/mainframe modernization and cloud migration. * Reduce modernization cost and delivery timelines through AI-assisted engineering. * Improve application quality, security, scalability, and maintainability. * Establish sustainable enterprise AI capabilities and governance. * Create new digital capabilities and potential revenue opportunities. * Deliver a measurable return on modernization and AI investments. Salary Range: $290,000 - $320,000 Required Skills * Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Information Technology, Management, or related field. * US Citizenship * Ability to obtain and maintain security clearance may be required (specify level if applicable) * 20+ years of progressive technology leadership experience, including significant experience leading enterprise modernization or digital transformation. * Demonstrated executive-level experience developing and deploying AI, generative AI, automation, or advanced analytics solutions. * Proven experience leading large-scale technology transformation programs across complex enterprise environments. * Strong understanding of cloud architectures and modern software engineering practices. * Experience with legacy application modernization and migration, preferably involving COBOL/mainframe environments. * Demonstrated ability to translate emerging technologies into measurable business outcomes. * Experience building and leading multidisciplinary technology organizations. * Strong understanding of cybersecurity, data governance, AI governance, and enterprise architecture. * Exceptional executive communication, strategic planning, vendor management, and stakeholder-management skills. Desired Skills * Master's degree in Business, Engineering, Information Technology, Management, or related field preferred. * Lean Six Sigma or Advanced Agile certifications preferred * Active Secret or Top Secret clearance preferred #EverforthECS1 ECS Federal LLC is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis any characteristic protected by law. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local jurisdiction law. is the federal segment of , a $4B global organization with over 10,000 employees. Our nearly 3,500 professionals deliver advanced technology solutions in data and AI, cybersecurity, and enterprise transformation, serving defense, intelligence, and federal civilian agencies. Our work powers mission-critical outcomes, strengthens technology partnerships, and creates meaningful opportunities for our people. We are defined by a commitment to excellence in delivery, a culture of innovation, and an environment where talent can thrive and grow. We value: * Attracting and developing top talent and high-performing teams * Fostering a culture that is engaging, accountable, and mission-driven Meet the challenge. Make a difference with Everforth ECS!