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Cobol Programmer Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Morgan Stanley

Mainframe CICS Systems Engineer

Portland, OR · On-site

$52 - $66.75/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 ...

ApplyMint

Software Engineer

Hillsboro, OR · On-site

$125 - $150/hr

Our work in advanced packaging and silicon enablement supports engineering teams in staying at the forefront of cutting‑edge semiconductor technologies. We operate in a fast‑paced ...

SupportFinity™

Software Engineer

Wilsonville, OR · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

The Software Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining embedded software and firmware for electronic control modules used in automotive and power management applications.

Biotronik

Software Engineer

Lake Oswego, OR · On-site

Working for Micro Systems Engineering, Inc. (MSEI) means joining an elite team to work on some of the most exciting challenges in medical technology today. We are a pioneer in developing innovative ...

BIOTRONIK SE & Co.KG

Software Engineer

Lake Oswego, OR · On-site

$100 - $125/hr

Working for Micro Systems Engineering, Inc. (MSEI) means joining an elite team to work on some of the most exciting challenges in medical technology today. We are a pioneer in developing innovative ...

Epiq

Software Engineer

Portland, OR · Remote

Epiq is seeking a highly skilled AI Software Engineer to join our Operations Engineering team. This role is ideal for candidates who are passionate about building applied AI systems-not just writing ...

Relativity

Software Engineer

Portland, OR · On-site

WHAT WE DO At Relativity, engineers don't just write code. They build the systems that power AI-driven workflows at massive scale, enabling customers to uncover insights and act on complex data with ...

Propheticsoftware

Software Engineer

Portland, OR · On-site

$80 - $100/hr

The engineering team is scaling to meet demand that is outpacing our ability to ship. You\'ll build across our core platform products that homebuilders and developers use to find, analyze, and act on ...

Entrada Ventures

Software Engineer

Portland, OR · On-site

$150 - $200/hr

The engineering team is scaling to meet demand that is outpacing our ability to ship. You'll build across our core platform products that homebuilders and developers use to find, analyze, and act on ...

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All JobsCobol Programmer JobsCobol Programmer Jobs in Portland, OR

Cobol Programmer information

See Portland, OR salary details

$42

$61

$101

How much do cobol programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for cobol programmer in Portland, OR is $61.77, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45.87 and $71.63 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 Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 6% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $128,492 per year, or $61.8 per hour.

Looking For_____Mainframe SME Developer (W2 Position)

Anveta Inc

Portland, OR • On-site

$52 - $66.75/hr

Other

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Mainframe SME Developer (W2 Position)
Location: Portland,OR(Onsite)
Duration: 6+ Months


Job Description:
Need 6+ years of experience as a Mainframe SME 
Responsible for providing the documentation of the AS IS Warranty Interfaces/ Screens/ Jobs usage with IMS.
Responsible for extracting the logic behind the IMS Screens for the IMS replacement strategy.
Work with the Project and Product teams on integration development and testing efforts.
Responsible for status reporting on assigned tasks.
Strong experience in IMS DB and IMS DC is required.
Good to have knowledge of CICS.
General knowledge of COBOL, JCL, DB2, and VSAM is required.
Project rollout and project management experience is a plus.

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