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Cobol Programmer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Morgan Stanley

Mainframe CICS Systems Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$50.50 - $65/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 ...

Noblesoft Technologies

Tandem Solution Architect

Rosemont, IL · Remote

$64.50 - $85/hr

Rosemont, IL Should have 15+ years of working experience in Tandem/HP Nonstop application programming (Hands On Role) Expertise in COBOL, SCOBOL, NSQL (SQL/MP, SQL/MX), Enscribe, Pathway, EINSPECT ...

Virtusa Corporation

Architect

Chicago, IL · On-site

... DevOps adoption Maintain architecture documentation deployment standards technical specifications and modernization roadmaps Required Skills Mainframe IBM z OS Unix System Services USS COBOL PL I JCL ...

Visvero

PeopleSoft Application Developer

Batavia, IL · On-site

Resourcewill have a minimum of 10 years development experience as PeopleSoftSystems/Developer ... COBOL or SQR's Experience with PeopleSoft v9.2 Enterprise HCM Person Model and Non-Employees ...

System Canada Technologies

Assembler developer

Chicago, IL

$16.50 - $20.25/hr

Good hands on knowledge of Assembler(4+years), JCL, VSAM, COBOL, DB2, some knowledge of DB2 Stored procs Nice to have: Custody services background, portfolio management and reporting, High networth ...

Accenture

Mainframe Specialist

Chicago, IL

$70K - $196K/yr

Partner with cross-functional teams-architects, developers, QA, and business analysts-to gather ... COBOL, JCL, VSAM, CICS, DB2, Assembler, REXX, SPUFI, TSO/ISPF, or RACF. * Minimum 3+ years leading ...

Navtech, Inc.

Java Tech Lead with Mulesoft

Chicago, IL · On-site

... more programming languages; knowing one or more development methodologies / delivery models ... Experience in traditional app languages ( COBOL / Perl / C). *Experience in scripting languages ...

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Cobol Programmer information

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How much do cobol programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 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.
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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 88% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 6% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $124,912 per year, or $60.1 per hour.

Quality Assurance Engineer

H R PUNDITS INC

Elk Grove Village, IL • Remote

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Job Role: Senior Quality Engineer (SDET) with Mainframes
Location: Remote
Log Time Contractor

Required Skills:

  • 8+ years of experience in mainframe testing with hands-on expertise 
  • 4+ years of experience in automation testing
  • Strong proficiency in Java development 
  • Experience designing and implementing APIs and services 
  • Solid understanding of software testing principles and test automation frameworks 
  • Experience with Selenium or Appium for test automation 
  • Hands-on experience with JUnit and test development 
  • Experience with service virtualization for API stubbing 
  • Knowledge of containerization tools such as Docker, OpenShift, and Kubernetes 
  • Strong SQL knowledge for data validation and analysis 
  • Experience with Elasticsearch and Kibana for data management 
  • Hands-on experience with mainframe technologies such as COBOL, JCL, CICS, and DB2 
  • Experience with test management tools such as JIRA or ALM 
  • Strong communication and stakeholder management skills 
Responsibilities:

  • Lead and coordinate testing activities across teams 
  • Perform end-to-end testing of mainframe applications 
  • Design and execute test cases, scenarios, and test strategies 
  • Develop and maintain automation frameworks and test scripts 
  • Develop APIs and integrate tools to enhance testing capabilities 
  • Contribute to AI and ML based testing enhancements 
  • Track defects, perform root cause analysis, and ensure timely resolution 
  • Collaborate with developers, business teams, and stakeholders 
  • Participate in code reviews and ensure code quality and best practices 

This is a remote position.