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Cobol Programmer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Cobol Developer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$90K - $118K/yr

Dearborn, MI Job Summary We are seeking an experienced Mainframe/COBOL Developer to support a critical legacy insurance platform (CPS) and assist with data preparation activities for migration to ...

New

Dearborn, MI Job Summary We are seeking an experienced Mainframe/COBOL Developer to support a critical legacy insurance platform (CPS) and assist with data preparation activities for migration to ...

New

Tandem Developer

Rolling Meadows, IL · On-site

$49.25 - $63.25/hr

Proficiency in Tandem programming languages such as COBOL and TACL * Knowledge of Tandem database systems like Enscribe or SQLMP * Familiarity with Tandem utilities such as Pathway TMF and Guardian

AS400 Synon Engineer Must Have Technical/Functional Skills iSeries, SYNON, COBOL, AS400 (Mid-Range), ILE, COBOL/400, CLLE, SQL • Strong functional knowledge of core PBM functions specifically core ...

Job Title AS400 Synon Sr Developer Relevant Experience (in Yrs) 15+ yrs Technical/Functional Skills ... Strong exposure to DB2400 Must have Skills - iSeries, SYNON, COBOL, AS400 (Mid-Range), ILE, COBOL ...

Write, test, and debug code using Tandem-specific programming languages such as COBOL, TACL. Desired skills: * Develop and maintain Tandem-based batch and online transaction processing systems.

Mainframe Developer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$50.50 - $65/hr

MAINFRAME DEVELOPER Location: Chicago, IL (Full Onsite, Open to Relocating Candidates) Visa: Any ... · COBOL, CICS, DB2, JCL, CA7 · Financial industry experience is a bonus Thanks & Regards ...

Senior Developer

Naperville, IL · On-site

$54.50 - $72/hr

Technical Skills (APPS)-Mainframe-Language-Mainframe - COBOL Job : Technical Lead Other Requirement ... Developer Mandatory Skills Mainframe Cobol (Primary) JCL CICS VSAM Unix Shell scripting is ...

z/OS Connect API Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$73K - $174K/yr

Expose existing CICS, COBOL, and DB2 transactions as modern API services. * Create and maintain API ... RACF Development & DevOps * GitHub * CI/CD Pipelines * Git-based Version Control * Gradle Build ...

Mainframe Developer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$50.50 - $65/hr

Role: Mainframe Developer (12+ YEARS) Location: Chicago, IL * Required Years of Experience: At ... Strong background in COBOL, CICS, and Natural Adabas * Advanced experience in CA7 - someone who can ...

zOS Technical Developer

Lisle, IL · On-site

$45 - $52/hr

Role - zOS Technical Developer Location -Lisle, Illinois (Onsite, no remote) JD: * 5-8+ years of ... Strong proficiency in COBOL, JCL, CICS, VSAM, DB2, IMS, REXX. * Analyze business and technical ...

Oracle CC&B Consultant

Naperville, IL · On-site

$63.50 - $80/hr

We are looking for a CCB Developer for our direct client in Naperville, IL. The ideal candidate ... Java, COBOL and Configuration Tools. Qualifications The ideal candidate must have core, hands-on ...

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Cobol Programmer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$41

$60

$98

How much do cobol programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for cobol programmer in Chicago, IL is $60.05, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44.62 and $69.62 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 Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Cobol Programmer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What job categories do people searching Cobol Programmer jobs in Chicago, IL look for?

The top searched job categories for Cobol Programmer jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Cobol Programmer jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Cobol Programmer job openings:

Infographic showing various Cobol Programmer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 38% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 54% Contract. Highlights an 31% In-person, and 69% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,912 per year, or $60.1 per hour.

Cobol Developer

Capgemini

Chicago, IL • On-site

$90K - $118K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New


Capgemini North America rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 17 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

98th of 224 rated it services


Job description

Choosing Capgemini means choosing a company where you will be empowered to shape your career in the way you'd like, where you'll be supported and inspired by a collaborative community of colleagues around the world, and where you'll be able to reimagine what's possible. Join us and help the world's leading organizations unlock the value of technology and build a more sustainable, more inclusive world.
Location: Dearborn, MI
Job Description
Job Summary
We are seeking an experienced Mainframe/COBOL Developer to support a critical legacy insurance platform (CPS) and assist with data preparation activities for migration to Google Cloud Platform (GCP). The resource will work on extracting, analyzing, transforming, and validating data from mainframe systems for Data Lake consumption and support the broader CPS modernization and cloud migration program.
Key Responsibilities
  • Analyze and process mainframe flat files and COBOL copybooks, including complex redefined structures.
  • Extract, unpack, transform, and validate data for ingestion into Google Cloud Platform (GCP) and Data Lake environments.
  • Collaborate with business and technical teams to understand legacy data structures and transformation requirements.
  • Create data mapping, reconciliation, and validation documentation.
  • Support data migration, conversion, and testing activities.
  • Assist in the modernization and migration of legacy CPS applications to GCP.
  • Troubleshoot data quality and conversion issues throughout the migration lifecycle.

Required Skills
  • 7+ years of experience in Mainframe Development.
  • Strong hands-on experience with:
  • COBOL
  • JCL
  • VSAM
  • DB2
  • Flat file processing
  • COBOL Copybooks (including multiple redefined copybooks)
  • Experience analyzing and transforming large volumes of legacy data.
  • Strong understanding of data migration and conversion methodologies.
  • Experience with data validation and reconciliation activities.
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

Preferred Skills
  • Insurance domain experience (Claims and Policy Administration systems preferred).
  • Experience supporting legacy modernization initiatives.
  • Exposure to Cloud platforms, preferably Google Cloud Platform (GCP).
  • Experience working with Data Lakes, ETL, and data transformation frameworks.
  • Familiarity with mainframe-to-cloud migration programs.

The base compensation range for this role in the posted location is: $90000 to $118665
Capgemini provides compensation range information in accordance with applicable national, state, provincial, and local pay transparency laws. The base compensation range listed for this position reflects the minimum and maximum target compensation Capgemini, in good faith, believes it may pay for the role at the time of this posting. This range may be subject to change as permitted by law.
The actual compensation offered to any candidate may fall outside of the posted range and will be determined based on multiple factors legally permitted in the applicable jurisdiction.
These may include, but are not limited to: Geographic location, Education and qualifications, Certifications and licenses, Relevant experience and skills, Seniority and performance, Market and business consideration, Internal pay equity.
It is not typical for candidates to be hired at or near the top of the posted compensation range.
In addition to base salary, this role may be eligible for additional compensation such as variable incentives, bonuses, or commissions, depending on the position and applicable laws.
Capgemini offers a comprehensive, non-negotiable benefits package to all regular, full-time employees. In the U.S. and Canada, available benefits are determined by local policy and eligibility and may include:
  • Paid time off based on employee grade (A-F), defined by policy: Vacation: 12-25 days, depending on grade, Company paid holidays, Personal Days, Sick Leave
  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage (or provincial healthcare coordination in Canada)
  • Retirement savings plans (e.g., 401(k) in the U.S., RRSP in Canada)
  • Life and disability insurance
  • Employee assistance programs
  • Other benefits as provided by local policy and eligibility

Important Notice: Compensation (including bonuses, commissions, or other forms of incentive pay) is not considered earned, vested, or payable until it becomes due under the terms of applicable plans or agreements and is subject to Capgemini's discretion, consistent with applicable laws. The Company reserves the right to amend or withdraw compensation programs at any time, within the limits of applicable legislation.
Disclaimers
Capgemini is an Equal Opportunity Employer encouraging inclusion in the workplace. Capgemini also participates in the Partnership Accreditation in Indigenous Relations (PAIR) program which supports meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities across Canada by promoting fairness, accessibility, inclusion and respect. We value the rich cultural heritage and contributions of Indigenous Peoples and actively work to create a welcoming and respectful environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, gender identity/expression, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetics, veteran status, marital status or any other characteristic protected by law.
This is a general description of the Duties, Responsibilities and Qualifications required for this position. Physical, mental, sensory or environmental demands may be referenced in an attempt to communicate the manner in which this position traditionally is performed. Whenever necessary to provide individuals with disabilities an equal employment opportunity, Capgemini will consider reasonable accommodations that might involve varying job requirements and/or changing the way this job is performed, provided that such accommodation does not pose an undue hardship. Capgemini is committed to providing reasonable accommodation during our recruitment process. If you need assistance or accommodation, please reach out to your recruiting contact.
Please be aware that Capgemini may capture your image (video or screenshot) during the interview process and that image may be used for verification, including during the hiring and onboarding process.
Click the following link for more information on your rights as an Applicant in the United States. http://www.capgemini.com/resources/equal-employment-opportunity-is-the-law
Capgemini is a global business and technology transformation partner, helping organizations to accelerate their dual transition to a digital and sustainable world, while creating tangible impact for enterprises and society. It is a responsible and diverse group of 340,000 team members in more than 50 countries. With its strong over 55-year heritage, Capgemini is trusted by its clients to unlock the value of technology to address the entire breadth of their business needs. It delivers end-to-end services and solutions leveraging strengths from strategy and design to engineering, all fueled by its market leading capabilities in AI, generative AI, cloud and data, combined with its deep industry expertise and partner ecosystem.

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