1

Cobol Programmer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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

$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 ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Cobol Programmer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$41

$60

$98

How much do cobol programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 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.

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 82% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 9% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,912 per year, or $60.1 per hour.

Visual COBOL Developer - Remote

Genesis10

Chicago, IL • On-site

$85 - $95/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

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, based on qualifications Position Overview: This role will focus on maintaining and enhancing existing proprietary applications. The ideal candidate will assume primary responsibility for feature development and serve as a senior technical resource for problem resolution, working closely with the business unit and IT project management on feature requests for the client's applications. Key Responsibilities: Maintain and enhance existing proprietary applications Assume primary responsibility for feature development Serve as the highest technical resource available for problem resolution identifying the root causes using product designs, code, or specifications Work closely with the business unit and IT project management to identify and validate feature requests Collaborate with IT QA, infrastructure, delivery, and support teams on the development, testing, and delivery of features and bug fixes Collaborate with Architecture, Integration, and Digital engineering teams and serve as an applications technical domain expert for Architectural Review Board (ARB) reviews Primary Requirements: 7+ years of proven software developer experience in a structured software development environment Strong experience with Microfocus Cobol, Shell scripting and Visual Cobol 5+ years of experience with Relational Database 2+ years of experience with another language (preferably .Net or Java) Experience with XML and XSLT Experience with agile methodologies and continuous integration Knowledge of Python Outstanding analytical, technical, and critical thinking skills Solid understanding of and ability to implement software design patterns Knowledge of code refactoring techniques, patterns, and processes Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills Ability to interpret business requirements into technical design Comfortable being an independent contributor and working in a collaborative team environment Passionate about user experience and user success Only candidates available and ready to work directly as Genesis10 employees will be considered for this position. If you have the described qualifications and are interested in this exciting opportunity, please apply! Ranked a Top Staffing Firm in the U.S. by Staffing Industry Analysts for six consecutive years, Genesis10 puts thousands of consultants and employees to work across the United States every year in contract, contract-for-hire, and permanent placement roles. With more than 300 active clients, Genesis10 provides access to many of the Fortune 100 firms and a variety of mid-market organizations across the full spectrum of industry verticals. For contract roles, Genesis10 offers the benefits listed below. If this is a perm-placement opportunity, our recruiter can talk you through the unique benefits offered for that particular client. Benefits of Working with Genesis10: Access to hundreds of clients, most who have been working with Genesis10 for 5-20+ years The opportunity to have a career-home in Genesis10; many of our consultants have been working exclusively with Genesis10 for years Access to an experienced, caring recruiting team (more than 7 years of experience, on average) Behavioral Health Platform Medical, Dental, Vision Health Savings Account Voluntary Hospital Indemnity (Critical Illness & Accident) Voluntary Term Life Insurance 401K Sick Pay (for applicable states/municipalities) Commuter Benefits (Dallas, NYC, SF, and Illinois) For multiple years running, Genesis10 has been recognized as a Top Staffing Firm in the U.S., as a Best Company for Work-Life Balance, as a Best Company for Career Growth, for Diversity, and for Leadership, amongst others. To learn more and to view all of our available career opportunities, please visit us at our website. Genesis10 is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Candidates will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. #DIG10-MN

Genesis10 logo

About Genesis10

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

For multiple years running, Genesis10 has been recognized as a Top Staffing Firm in the U.S., as a Best Company for Work-Life Balance, as a Best Company for Career Growth, for Diversity, and for Leadership, amongst others. To learn more and to view all our available career opportunities, please visit us at our website.

Industry

It services

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

New York, NY, US

Year founded

1999