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Cobol Programmer Jobs in Lexington, SC (NOW HIRING)

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SAP Programming Consultant

Columbia, SC

$58.25 - $79.50/hr

SAP Programming Consultant Location: Columbia, SC 29210 Duration: 12+ Months Scope Of The Project ... Candidate must have extensive knowledge of ADABAS/Natural development, MVS mainframe COBOL & JCL ...

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Z/OS Mainframe Programmer

Columbia, SC

$51 - $64.75/hr

CATALOG MAINTENANCE II. PROGRAMMING SKILLS: a. SYSTEM EXIT DEVELOPMENT AND SUPPORT b. UTILITY AND TOOLKIT SKILLS c. IDMS d. SYNCSORT e. RMM Additional Information All your information will be kept ...

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All JobsCobol Programmer JobsCobol Programmer Jobs in Lexington, SC

Cobol Programmer information

See Lexington, SC salary details

$34

$49

$81

How much do cobol programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average hourly pay for cobol programmer in Lexington, SC is $49.86, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $37.02 and $57.84 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is there still a demand for COBOL programmers?

COBOL programmers are still in demand for maintaining and updating legacy systems in industries like banking, finance, and government. Many organizations require expertise in COBOL for critical mainframe applications, though new development opportunities are limited. Skills in mainframe environments and understanding of legacy code are valuable for these roles.

Is COBOL being phased out?

COBOL programmers are still in demand for maintaining legacy systems in banking, government, and insurance sectors. While new development in COBOL has decreased, many organizations rely on it, and expertise remains valuable for system updates and support. The language is not being rapidly phased out, but the job market is gradually shifting toward modernization skills alongside COBOL knowledge.

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 are COBOL Programmers?

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.

Do COBOL programmers work remotely?

Many COBOL programmers work remotely, especially as organizations adopt flexible work arrangements. Remote work for COBOL programmers often depends on the employer, project requirements, and the need for access to legacy systems, but it has become increasingly common in the industry.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Cobol Programmer, and why are they important?

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 typically earn between $60,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of projects. Senior or specialized programmers with certifications 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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What are popular job titles related to Cobol Programmer jobs in Lexington, SC? For Cobol Programmer jobs in Lexington, SC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cobol Programmer jobs in Lexington, SC look for? The top searched job categories for Cobol Programmer jobs in Lexington, SC are:
What cities near Lexington, SC are hiring for Cobol Programmer jobs? Cities near Lexington, SC with the most Cobol Programmer job openings:
Cobol Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cobol Programmer job openings in Lexington, SC as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 6% Part Time, 12% Contract, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 77% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,708 per year, or $49.9 per hour.

Programmer [Micro Focus Visual COBOL]

Kaav Inc

Columbia, SC • On-site

Contractor

Re-posted 19 days ago

Job description

Job Title: Programmer [Micro Focus Visual COBOL]

Location: Columbia, SC (Local candidates preferred; relocation from NC/TN/GA considered)
Duration: 1+ years
Work Authorization: USC and GC (-EAD) ONLY
Pre-employment Checks: Criminal Background, E-Verify, 5 Panel Drug Screening, Driving Record, Credit Report, SLED

Job Description

The Programmer will be responsible for analyzing, designing, developing, testing, and implementing web services and batch business applications using Micro Focus Visual COBOL. This role involves troubleshooting system issues, proposing solutions, and ensuring that all developed applications meet user requirements and State of South Carolina standards.

Key Responsibilities

  • Analyze, design, code, test, promote, and implement web service and batch business applications.

  • Lead troubleshooting and resolution of system issues.

  • Propose and implement technical solutions.

  • Develop and maintain applications using Micro Focus Visual COBOL on Windows Server 2019/2022.

  • Provide configuration and support for IIS as needed.

  • Program and debug applications in Visual Studio 2019/2022.

  • Write complex queries and interact with RDBMS (Oracle, MS SQL).

  • Provide daily and weekly progress updates to the Development Manager.

Required Skills and Qualifications

✅ Technical Skills:

  • 8+ years development experience with Micro Focus Visual COBOL (Windows Server 2019/2022, batch, under IIS).

  • 4+ years development experience using Visual Studio 2019/2022, including debugger.

  • 4+ years programming against RDBMS (Oracle, MS SQL Server).

  • 5+ years writing complex SQL queries for Oracle and MS SQL databases.

  • 2+ years IIS configuration/setup experience.

  • 1+ year programming experience in Microsoft C# .NET.

✅ Certifications (Preferred):

  • Micro Focus OES Certified Professional

  • Certified Visual Basic Developer

  • Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD)

✅ Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree in IT or related field with 8+ years’ experience OR minimum 10+ years of related experience.

✅ Preferred:

  • SAP Public Sector experience.