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Cobol Programmer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... logic embedded within COBOL and CICS code on a decades-old mainframe system. The successful ... The role demands a deep understanding of legacy programming languages, analytical prowess, and the ...

... logic embedded within COBOL and CICS code on a decades-old mainframe system. The successful ... The role demands a deep understanding of legacy programming languages, analytical prowess, and the ...

Cobol Developer

Quincy, MA

$52.75 - $71.50/hr

Cobol Developer Location: Quincy, MA Duration: 1+ years Interview Process: Phone or Personal Interview (ideally personal interview) -> Hire Description: Position Description: Looking for a strong ...

Thinkfind is seeking a highly experienced Mainframe Programmer to support critical enterprise ... In this role, you will be responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining COBOL-based ...

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 ...

MAINFRAME COBOL PROGRAMMER

Grand Rapids, MI

$47 - $60.50/hr

Proven experience (5-10 years) with Mainframe COBOL , C++ Working knowledge (5 years) MVS, UNIX, CICS, DB2, ORACLE, SQL, JCL, and UNIX. Must be familiar with client server programming methodology.

Cobol Developer

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$48.25 - $65.50/hr

Atlanta GA Onsite (Local Only) Duration : Long term contract Looking for a skilled and experienced COBOL Mainframe Programmer/Developer. This role involves translating business requirements into ...

Cobol Developer

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$48.25 - $65.50/hr

Atlanta, GA Onsite Duration : 7 Months The Client is looking for a skilled and experienced COBOL Mainframe Programmer/Developer. This role involves translating business requirements into robust ...

COBOL Developer

Urbana, MO · On-site

$48.50 - $65.50/hr

Role OverviewWe are seeking a seasoned COBOL Developer to join our team supporting legacy mainframe systems. Youll be responsible for maintaining, enhancing, and modernizing COBOL-based applications ...

COBOL Developer

Woodlawn, MD

$52.25 - $70.75/hr

COBOL Developer We are seeking experienced COBOL Developers to support a large federal technology modernization effort. This role will focus on maintaining, enhancing, testing, and modernizing ...

Cobol Developer

Albany, NY · On-site

$50 - $67.50/hr

Cobol Developer Location: Albany, NY(Hybrid) Job Type: Contract W2 Top Skills - Must Haves Cobol Mainframe Top Skills' Details PRD-20250723-435 Due 8.8 1. Level III- More than seven (7) years of ...

COBOL Developer

TN · Remote

$53.50 - $55/hr

COBOL Developer (834 Enrollment Files) - Remote Pay: $53.90/hour (W2 only) Location: 100% Remote - Open to candidates from approved states About the Role Seeking an experienced COBOL Developer with ...

Cobol Developer

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$48.25 - $65.50/hr

Kofax Client is looking for a skilled and experienced COBOL Mainframe Programmer/Developer. This role involves translating business requirements into robust programming solutions, maintaining, and ...

COBOL Developer

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$49 - $66.25/hr

COBOL Developer Location: Des Moines, IA (Onsite) Duration: 12+ Months Type: Contract (W2/C2C) Job Overview: We are seeking a seasoned COBOL Developer with 6+ years of experience in mainframe ...

Cobol Developer (797731

Atlanta, GA · On-site

$48.25 - $65.50/hr

GDOL is looking for a skilled and experienced COBOL Mainframe Programmer/Developer. This role involves translating business requirements into robust programming solutions, maintaining, and enhancing ...

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Cobol Programmer information

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$40

$58

$95

How much do cobol programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for cobol programmer in the United States is $58.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43.27 and $67.55 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 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.

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 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 cities are hiring for Cobol Programmer jobs? Cities with the most Cobol Programmer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Cobol Programmer jobs? The most popular types of Cobol Programmer jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Cobol Programmer jobs? The top employers for Cobol Programmer jobs are:
What states have the most Cobol Programmer jobs? States with the most job openings for Cobol Programmer jobs include:
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Infographic showing various Cobol Programmer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 8% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 78% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $121,161 per year, or $58.3 per hour.

Cobol Programmer in Albany, NY - Hybrid Role - Locals only

GDR Defense

Albany, NY • On-site

Contractor

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

we have an opening for an Expert Programmer HBITS-07-14523
DURATION: 12 Months
LOCATION: Albany, NY – Hybrid
This request is for all ITS supported agencies for the creation of a system or application to be complicit with the Middle Eastern & North African Demographics Tracking (MENA) Legislative
Mandate (NYS S811-A518-MENA Chapter Amendment). The MENA Bill requires agencies that collect demographic data to now include Middle Eastern and North African categories as
mandated by Section S6584C/A6219B of the State Executive Law beginning July 1, 2026. This will be funded with SPID 7634.
Qualifications
  • Programmer- Creates computer software. May specialize in one area of computer software or may write code for many kinds of software.                        
  • Expert- 84+ Months: Candidate is able to provide guidance to large teams and/or has extensive industry experience and is considered at the top of his/her field.
  • 84 months experience coding and designing COBOL programming language
  • 84 months experience coding and designing Easytrieve programming language
  • 84 months experience coding and designing Job Control Language (JCL).
  • 84 months experience in IBM mainframe SQL
  • 48 months experience creating and updating flow diagrams.                                 
Day-to-Day tasks       
  • Work will be performed on an IBM Mainframe using IBM Enterprise COBOL, Easytrieve, CICS, DB2, SQL and JCL.  The environment consists of both batch and online systems.
  • Creating new programs, performing maintenance on existing programs, creating ad hoc reports, and creating and updating documentation. Work on Cobol 6.4 conversion assignments.
  • This will allow the SME’s to work on MENA.