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Cobol Programmer Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

Mainframe/Cobol programmer

Houston, TX · On-site

$46.75 - $60.25/hr

Mainframe/Cobol programmer (2) openings * Looking for an Application Developer with experience with Loyalty experience along with IMS, Pl1, DB2 programming skills. * Preference is to be onsite in ...

COBOL & AS400/iSeries architecture using ILE (COBOL, RPGLE, CLLE, QS36) + IBM DB2 (SQL, SPs, query optimization, green screen) with deep legacy modernization expertise. * ILE modernization & AS400 ...

Mainframe Developer

Houston, TX · On-site

$65 - $68/hr

PL/I, COBOL, and CA Easytrieve development IMS DB/DC, DB2, VSAM and CICS application development JCL and complex batch-processing CA Jobtrac scheduling and production job monitoring Endevor source ...

New

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 ...

Software Engineer responsibilities include gathering user requirements, defining system functionality and writing code in various languages, like Java, Ruby on Rails or .NET programming languages (e ...

Software Engineer

Houston, TX · Remote

$60 - $75/hr

Software Engineer (Remote USA) | $60-$75 per Hour Do You Want to Build Software That Shapes the Future? At Bridgepoint Works , we're not just about concrete and steel were about cutting-edge ...

New

ATSER maintains a staff of highly-qualified professionals, including scientists, engineers, construction managers, and technicians. ATSER offers program management, design management, construction ...

ATSER maintains a staff of highly-qualified professionals, including scientists, engineers, construction managers, and technicians. ATSER offers program management, design management, construction ...

The role involves applying software engineering best practices to design, code, test, and troubleshoot engineering systems applications while ensuring productivity and maintainability.

Job#: 3040288 Software Engineer - Legacy Modernization & API Development Team: Catalyst - Core Modernization & AI Engineering Organization: Landmark Software & Services Reports To: Director of ...

The engineer will also resolve software reported problems. The Software Engineer is an exciting role that supports the U.S. Navy's launch test facilities Research and Development (R&D) program. This ...

Software Engineer

Katy, TX · On-site

$80 - $110/hr

The Software Engineer (Full-stack) is a core contributor within the Engineering team at Steel Ridge Partners. This role focuses on designing, developing, and maintaining reliable, scalable web ...

Our mission-driven team is seeking a bold and dynamic Software Safety Engineer who is fueled by high ownership, execution horsepower, growth mindset, and driven to understand our world, science ...

Our mission-driven team is seeking a bold and dynamic Software Safety Engineer who is fueled by high ownership, execution horsepower, growth mindset, and driven to understand our world, science ...

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Cobol Programmer information

See Houston, TX salary details

$38

$55

$91

How much do cobol programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for cobol programmer in Houston, TX is $55.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41.30 and $64.52 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 Houston, TX?

The most popular types of Cobol Programmer jobs in Houston, TX are:

What job categories do people searching Cobol Programmer jobs in Houston, TX look for?

The top searched job categories for Cobol Programmer jobs in Houston, TX are:

What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Cobol Programmer jobs?

Cities near Houston, TX with the most Cobol Programmer job openings:

Infographic showing various Cobol Programmer job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, and 21% Contract. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,705 per year, or $55.6 per hour.

Mainframe/Cobol programmer

Houston, TX • On-site

Atria Group LLC
11 - 50 employees

$46.75 - $60.25/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

Company Description

We specialize in Staffing, Consulting, Software Development, and Training along with IT services to small to medium size companies. AG's primary objective is to help companies maximize their IT resources and meet the ever-changing IT needs and challenges.

In addition, AG offers enterprise resource planning and enterprise application integration, supply-chain management, e-commerce solutions, and B2B public exchanges and B2B process integration solutions. Our company provides application analysis, design, development and programming, software engineering, systems development, testing, integration, and implementation, and management consulting services to various clients - including governmental agencies and private companies - throughout the United States and India.

We provide these services in multiple computing environments and use technologies such as client/server architecture, object-oriented programming languages and tools, distributed database management systems, state-of-the-art networking, and communications infrastructures. Our honest and realistic approach to recruiting dictates that AG does not entice or lure engineers from their employers. We represent only high caliber technical professionals who have committed to making a change required by career.

Job Description

Mainframe/Cobol programmer (2) openings

  • Looking for an Application Developer with experience with Loyalty experience along with IMS, Pl1, DB2 programming skills.
  • Preference is to be onsite in HOUSTON, Texas due to the short term nature of the project.
  • IMS Screen
  • IBM PL/I
  • Airlines experience is required.
  • There are 2 openings and they will sit at the below address, remote or from an HP location locally.
  • They are good through 12-31-15.
  • There is possibility of extension and Dev VS production support.
Additional Information
  1. Good comm skills are a big priority
  2. Duration: 6 to 12 Months
  3. Need to be able to interview FACE TO FACE