... 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 / IDMS Software Programmer/Developer
Indianapolis, IN · On-site
$66K - $106K/yr
COBOL / IDMS Software Programmer/Developer Job Locations US-IN-Home Requisition ID 2026-167973 Position Category Information Technology Clearance Public Trust Responsibilities Peraton is seeking a ...
COBOL / IDMS Software Programmer/Developer
Indianapolis, IN · On-site
$66K - $106K/yr
COBOL / IDMS Software Programmer/Developer Job Locations US-IN-Home Requisition ID 2026-167973 Position Category Information Technology Clearance Public Trust Responsibilities Peraton is seeking a ...
Cobol Developer
Quincy, MA · On-site
$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 ...
Cobol Developer
Quincy, MA · On-site
$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 ...
Title: NATURAL AND COBOL System Programming Location: Jackson, MS Enterprise System Programming experience in NATURAL AND COBOL batch programing utilizing ADABAS database in a Linux Environment.
Title: NATURAL AND COBOL System Programming Location: Jackson, MS Enterprise System Programming experience in NATURAL AND COBOL batch programing utilizing ADABAS database in a Linux Environment.
COBOL IMS/DB2 Programmers
$40 - $45/hr
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 ...
COBOL IMS/DB2 Programmers
$40 - $45/hr
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 ...
COBOL IMS/DB2 Programmers
Dallas, TX · On-site
Mainframe Programmer Thinkfind is seeking a highly experienced Mainframe Programmer to support ... In this role, you will be responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining COBOL-based ...
COBOL IMS/DB2 Programmers
Dallas, TX · On-site
Mainframe Programmer Thinkfind is seeking a highly experienced Mainframe Programmer to support ... In this role, you will be responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining COBOL-based ...
COBOL Developer
Atlanta, GA · On-site
$48.93/hr
COBOL Developer Atlanta GA 12 months $48.93/hr Qualifications: 6 + years of experience required of Cobol Development using LInix. We are looking for the following skills in a Cobol developer: COBOL ...
COBOL Developer
Atlanta, GA · On-site
$48.93/hr
COBOL Developer Atlanta GA 12 months $48.93/hr Qualifications: 6 + years of experience required of Cobol Development using LInix. We are looking for the following skills in a Cobol developer: COBOL ...
This position description is for an on-site Unisys ClearPath OS2200 systems programmer/internalist to support OS2200 systems administration and support OS2200-based COBOL applications. This position ...
This position description is for an on-site Unisys ClearPath OS2200 systems programmer/internalist to support OS2200 systems administration and support OS2200-based COBOL applications. This position ...
Mainframe/Cobol programmer
$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
$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 ...
Remote Cobol Programming Developer
$51.50 - $69.50/hr
About the job Remote Cobol Programming Developer Remote Cobol Programming Developer needs 3 years Systems and programming experience required 1 year - Expert working knowledge of at least one ...
Remote Cobol Programming Developer
$51.50 - $69.50/hr
About the job Remote Cobol Programming Developer Remote Cobol Programming Developer needs 3 years Systems and programming experience required 1 year - Expert working knowledge of at least one ...
MAINFRAME COBOL PROGRAMMER
Grand Rapids, MI · On-site
$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.
MAINFRAME COBOL PROGRAMMER
Grand Rapids, MI · On-site
$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
Woodlawn, MD · On-site
$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
Woodlawn, MD · On-site
$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
Woodlawn, MD · On-site
$52.25 - $70.75/hr
COBOL Developer Introduction: SSA is seeking a COBOL Developer to support and modernize mission-critical mainframe systems. This is a highly impactful, hands-on role focused on maintaining and ...
COBOL Developer
Woodlawn, MD · On-site
$52.25 - $70.75/hr
COBOL Developer Introduction: SSA is seeking a COBOL Developer to support and modernize mission-critical mainframe systems. This is a highly impactful, hands-on role focused on maintaining and ...
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 ...
Quick apply
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
Tampa, FL · On-site
$45.75 - $62/hr
COBOL Developer Location: Tampa, FL (Hybrid role) Duration: 6 months+ Client: Client Insurance MUST HAVES: * 10+ years of Cobol development and maintenance experience * 5+ years of Stratus experience ...
COBOL Developer
Tampa, FL · On-site
$45.75 - $62/hr
COBOL Developer Location: Tampa, FL (Hybrid role) Duration: 6 months+ Client: Client Insurance MUST HAVES: * 10+ years of Cobol development and maintenance experience * 5+ years of Stratus experience ...
Cobol Developer
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 ...
Cobol Developer
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 ...
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 ...
Quick apply
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
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 ...
Quick apply
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
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 ...
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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 ...
Senior Cobol Developer
Irvine, CA · On-site
Senior Cobol Developer Client's IMS is seeking a full-time Senior Cobol developer to support the Investment Book of Records development team. The candidate will develop enhancements and new ...
Senior Cobol Developer
Irvine, CA · On-site
Senior Cobol Developer Client's IMS is seeking a full-time Senior Cobol developer to support the Investment Book of Records development team. The candidate will develop enhancements and new ...
Cobol Programmer information
See salary details
$43.99 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$40.38 - $45.39
35% of jobs
The median wage is $50.23 / hr.
$45.39 - $50.39
16% of jobs
$50.39 - $55.40
5% of jobs
$55.40 - $60.40
11% of jobs
$64.16 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$60.40 - $65.41
12% of jobs
$65.41 - $70.41
7% of jobs
$70.41 - $75.42
8% of jobs
$75.42 - $80.42
0% of jobs
$80.42 - $85.42
0% of jobs
$85.42 - $90.43
2% of jobs
$90.43 - $95.43
4% of jobs
$40
$58
$95
How much do cobol programmer jobs pay per hour?
As of Jul 6, 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.
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?
| Aspect | Cobol Programmer | Mainframe Developer |
|---|---|---|
| Required Credentials | Typically a degree in computer science or related field; familiarity with COBOL | Similar credentials; often requires knowledge of COBOL and mainframe systems |
| Work Environment | Primarily in legacy system maintenance, often in financial or government sectors | Works on mainframe systems, including hardware and software components |
| Employer & Industry Usage | Financial institutions, government agencies, insurance companies | Banking, insurance, government, and large enterprises using mainframe systems |
| Common Search & Comparison | Yes | Yes |
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.
More about Cobol Programmer jobs
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Job description
We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented individual to join our team as a Technical Analyst, responsible for analyzing and documenting the rules and logic embedded within COBOL and CICS code on a decades-old mainframe system. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in uncovering the intricacies of our legacy systems and translating these findings into comprehensive documentation. This documentation will be instrumental for system integrators to design and execute the conversion of this data to modern systems.
The role demands a deep understanding of legacy programming languages, analytical prowess, and the ability to communicate complex technical information effectively. If you are passionate about preserving the integrity of historical data while facilitating technological advancement, we encourage you to apply. This is a contract position.
About Cedent
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
CEDENT strives to attract and retain the best people and provide an environment where they can all develop professionally and build a rewarding career. As a result, we create an inclusive environment that is rich in diversity, acknowledges each individual's uniqueness and promotes respect, personal achievement and stewardship. Our clients are global and so is CEDENT. We build and maintain a global workforce that includes people from different backgrounds, with a vast range of skills and experience all united by a common culture and commitment to help our clients achieve high performance. Cultivating a diverse workforce and inclusive work environment makes business sense. Our peoples varied skills are the talent engine that powers CEDENT, enabling it in turn to deliver the innovative solutions that help our clients outperform competitors.
Industry
It services
Company size
11 - 50 Employees
Headquarters location
Plano, TX, US
Year founded
2008