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Cobol Programmer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Genesis10

Visual COBOL Developer - Remote

Chicago, IL · On-site

$85 - $95/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

Genesis10 is currently seeking a Visual COBOL Developer for a Remote position with a Major Insurance Company. This is a 6+ month contract opportunity. Compensation: $85.00 - $95.00 per hour, W2 ...

Staffingine LLC

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

Sarian, Inc.

AS400 Synon Engineer

Schaumburg, IL · On-site +1

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 ...

ConfigUSA

AS400 Synon Sr Developer

Schaumburg, IL · Remote

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 ...

Noblesoft Technologies

Tandem Developer

Chicago, IL · On-site

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.

Kanak Elite Services Inc

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 ...

Capgemini

z/OS Connect API Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$73K - $174K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Amaze Systems Inc.

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 ...

Kanak Elite Services Inc

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 ...

Noblesoft Technologies

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 ...

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All JobsCobol Programmer JobsCobol Programmer Jobs in Chicago, IL

Cobol Programmer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$41

$60

$98

How much do cobol programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 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 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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Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Cobol Programmer job openings:

Cobol Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cobol Programmer job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 84% Full Time, 7% Part Time, 8% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,912 per year, or $60.1 per hour.

Senior AS400 Developer / iSeries Developer / COBOL Developer

Nexxora Inc.

Chicago, IL • On-site

Other

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

REQUIREMENT:


Senior AS400 Developer / iSeries Developer / COBOL Developer
Location: Schaumburg, Illinois (Onsite 5 Days/Week)
Core Technical Requirements:
IBM AS400 / IBM iSeries
COBOL/400
ILE COBOL
CLLE Programming
SQL Development
DB2400
ACMS
MOM Integration
10+ years of enterprise development experience required.

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