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Cobol Programmer Jobs in Wisconsin (NOW HIRING)

Mainframe Cobol Developer- Milwaukee

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$48.25 - $62/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Job#: 3039276 Our great client has an immediate long term contract opening for a Mainframe Cobol Developer in Milwaukee, WI. If you are interested please apply with resume to Location: 3 days onsite ...

... using COBOL Nice to Have: * Previous experience with Campus Solutions: Student Financials ... UW is looking for a campus solutions developer with experience in Student Financials or Admissions ...

Software Engineer I - Mainframe (Cobol)

Brookfield, WI · On-site

$46 - $59/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Experience with COBOL, JCL, VSAM, and DB2 * Nice to have experience with CICS * Adept with agile software development lifecycle and DevOps principles (GitLab) * Good understanding of algorithms and ...

Mainframe Programmer

Brookfield, WI · On-site

$41 - $46/hr

Pay Range: $41hr - $46hr Requirement/Must Have: * 1+ years of experience in Mainframe Technologies COBOL, VSAM, DB2, CICS, JCL. * Knowledge in GIT and IDZ is an additional advantage.​​​​​ ...

Mainframe Programmer

Brookfield, WI · On-site

$41 - $46/hr

Pay Range: $41hr - $46hr Requirement/Must Have: * 1+ years of experience in Mainframe Technologies COBOL, VSAM, DB2, CICS, JCL. * Knowledge in GIT and IDZ is an additional advantage.​​​​​ ...

Mainframe Programmer

Brookfield, WI · On-site

$41 - $46/hr

Pay Range: $41hr - $46hr Requirement/Must Have: * 1+ years of experience in Mainframe Technologies COBOL, VSAM, DB2, CICS, JCL. * Knowledge in GIT and IDZ is an additional advantage.​​​​​ ...

Software Engineer I - Mainframe (Cobol)

Brookfield, WI · On-site

$46.50 - $59.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Experience with COBOL, JCL, VSAM, and DB2 * Nice to have experience with CICS * Adept with agile software development lifecycle and DevOps principles (GitLab) * Good understanding of algorithms and ...

Software Engineer I - Mainframe (Cobol)

Brookfield, WI · On-site

$46.50 - $59.75/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Experience with COBOL, JCL, VSAM, and DB2 * Nice to have experience with CICS * Adept with agile software development lifecycle and DevOps principles (GitLab) * Good understanding of algorithms and ...

Mainframe Programmer

Brookfield, WI · On-site

$41 - $46/hr

Pay Range: $41hr - $46hr Requirement/Must Have: * 1+ years of experience in Mainframe Technologies COBOL, VSAM, DB2, CICS, JCL. * Knowledge in GIT and IDZ is an additional advantage.​​​​​ ...

Mainframe Programmer

Brookfield, WI · On-site

$41 - $46/hr

Pay Range: $41hr - $46hr Requirement/Must Have: * 1+ years of experience in Mainframe Technologies COBOL, VSAM, DB2, CICS, JCL. * Knowledge in GIT and IDZ is an additional advantage.​​​​​ ...

Mainframe Programmer

Brookfield, WI · On-site

$41 - $46/hr

Pay Range: $41hr - $46hr Requirement/Must Have: * 1+ years of experience in Mainframe Technologies COBOL, VSAM, DB2, CICS, JCL. * Knowledge in GIT and IDZ is an additional advantage.​​​​​ ...

Our company provides application analysis, design, development and programming, software ... COBOL knowledge is primarily looked for * Minimum 6-7 years of Hands on working knowledge in Core ...

Mainframe Developer - Brookfield, WI

Brookfield, WI · On-site

$46.50 - $59.75/hr

Required : • 5 to 10 Years of Experience • Expertise in COBOL • Expertise in JCL • ... work of developers Company : ClifyX provides innovative business solutions which satisfy ...

WI · On-site

$180 - $230/hr

Bachelor degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Technology, Information Systems, or a ... DE developing Cobol mainframe and distributed modules that interface with distributed and Web ...

Sr. Developer- iSeries

Wisconsin Dells, WI

$50.25 - $66.50/hr

Company Description IT Description or Skill Required Experience COBOL 5-10 years CL 5-10 years TSO 5-10 years iSeries Platform experience 5-10 years CICS 2-5 years VSAM 2-5 years Hawkeye 2-5 years ...

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Cobol Programmer information

See Wisconsin salary details

$40

$58

$96

How much do cobol programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for cobol programmer in Wisconsin is $58.80, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43.65 and $68.17 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 job categories do people searching Cobol Programmer jobs in Wisconsin look for?

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

What cities in Wisconsin are hiring for Cobol Programmer jobs?

Cities in Wisconsin with the most Cobol Programmer job openings:

Infographic showing various Cobol Programmer job openings in Wisconsin as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 7% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,294 per year, or $58.8 per hour.

Mainframe Cobol Developer- Milwaukee

Apex Systems

Milwaukee, WI • On-site

$48.25 - $62/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 6 days ago


Job description

Job#: 3039276
Job Description:
Our great client has an immediate long term contract opening for a Mainframe Cobol Developer in Milwaukee, WI. If you are interested please apply with resume to
Location: 3 days onsite in Milwaukee/ 2 days remote
Experience:
  • 10+ years of relevant experience with a strong technical and business background, preferably in financial systems
  • Proven ability to serve as a liaison between business stakeholders and technology teams
  • Experience guiding technical implementations based on architectural recommendations
  • Skilled in planning, estimating, and committing to work, with the ability to quickly scope initiatives
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks of moderate to high complexity across diverse systems and platforms
  • Strong track record of delivering technical solutions aligned with business needs

Technical Skills:
  • Mainframe technologies
    • COBOL
    • Easytrieve
    • JCL
  • Tivoli scheduling
  • JIRA and diagramming tools (Visio and Miro preferred)
  • Linux / command line environments

Additional Experience:
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including technical documentation
  • Ability to translate technical concepts into business terms
  • Incident management (ServiceNow preferred)
  • Workday integration experience is a plus
  • Business analysis and project management experience (preferred)

Key Responsibilities:
  • Manage daily system operations, ensuring performance, stability, and alignment with business objectives
  • Troubleshoot production issues, perform root cause analysis, and implement improvements
  • Develop and maintain automated programs based on defined requirements
  • Analyze solution options, assess feasibility, and recommend technical approaches
  • Coordinate system integrations and application interfaces
  • Participate in technical planning, including task identification, estimates, and dependencies
  • Create and execute test plans, build test data, and validate solutions
  • Ensure successful project delivery, including documentation and status reporting
  • Follow established development lifecycle processes and coding standards
  • Support enterprise systems across multiple business functions
  • Provide regular off-hours support in a 24/7 operational environment

Everforth Apex is a world-class IT services company that serves thousands of clients across the globe. When you join Everforth Apex, you become part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. We offer quality career resources, training, certifications, development opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in many awards, including ClearlyRateds Best of Staffing in Talent Satisfaction in the United States and Great Place to Work in the United Kingdom and Mexico.
Everforth Apex uses a virtual recruiter as part of the application process. Click for more details. By applying for this job, you agree to receive calls, AI-generated calls, text messages, or emails from Everforth Apex and its affiliates, and contracted partners. Frequency varies for text messages. Message and data rates may apply. Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. You can reply STOP to cancel and HELP for help. You can access our privacy policy at
Everforth Apex Benefits Overview: Everforth Apex offers a range of supplemental benefits, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and other insurance plans that offer an optional layer of financial protection. We offer an ESPP (employee stock purchase program) and a 401K program which allows you to contribute typically within 30 days of starting, with a company match after 12 months of tenure. Everforth Apex also offers a HSA (Health Savings Account on the HDHP plan), a SupportLinc Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with up to 8 free counseling sessions, a corporate discount savings program and other discounts. In terms of professional development, Everforth Apex hosts an on-demand training program, provides access to certification prep and a library of technical and leadership courses/books/seminars once you have 6+ months of tenure, and certification discounts and other perks to associations that include CompTIA and IIBA. Everforth Apex has a dedicated customer service team for our Consultants that can address questions around benefits and other resources, as well as a certified Career Coach. You can access a full list of our benefits, programs, support teams and resources within our 'Welcome Packet' as well, which an Everforth Apex team member can provide.
Everforth Apex Systems is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate or allow discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, genetic information, registered domestic partner status, marital status, disability, status as a crime victim, protected veteran status, political affiliation, union membership, or any other characteristic protected by law. Everforth Apex will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law.
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