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Cobol Programming Language Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Comtech, LLC

Programmer Analyst - HRIS

Sunnyvale, CA

... and programming language (i.e. COBOL) Experience working with accountants to manage day today work Ability to learn "How to publish Accounting reports on Unix server". Understanding of Performance ...

Comtech, LLC

HRIS Program Analyst

Sunnyvale, CA

Familiar with Unix environment and programming language (i.e. COBOL). * Experience working with accountants to manage day today work. * Ability to learn "How to publish Accounting reports on Unix ...

All JobsCobol Programming Language JobsCobol Programming Language Jobs in California

Cobol Programming Language information

See California salary details

$10

$54

$72

How much do cobol programming language jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for cobol programming language in California is $54.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $47.69 and $64.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can you get a job with COBOL?

Yes, there are job opportunities for COBOL programmers, especially in industries like banking, finance, and government that maintain legacy systems. These roles often require knowledge of mainframe environments, debugging, and updating existing code. While demand has decreased, specialized skills in COBOL can still lead to employment in organizations with critical legacy applications.

What is the difference between Cobol Programming Language vs COBOL Developer?

AspectCobol Programming LanguageCOBOL Developer
Primary RoleDefines and implements programs using COBOL languageDesigns, develops, and maintains COBOL applications
Required SkillsKnowledge of COBOL syntax, coding, and debuggingProficiency in COBOL, understanding of legacy systems, and problem-solving
Work EnvironmentTypically in mainframe or legacy system settingsInvolves coding, testing, and maintaining COBOL applications in similar environments
Industry UsageUsed in banking, finance, and government sectorsEmployed to update, troubleshoot, and develop COBOL-based systems

In summary, Cobol Programming Language refers to the language itself, while a COBOL Developer is a professional who writes and maintains applications using COBOL. Both roles require similar skills and work in legacy system environments, but the language is a tool, and the developer is a practitioner of that tool.

Does anyone code in COBOL anymore?

Cobol programmers are still in demand for maintaining and updating legacy systems in banking, government, and large corporations. Many organizations rely on Cobol for critical applications, and expertise in the language remains valuable for system modernization and integration projects.

What is COBOL programming language?

COBOL (Common Business-Oriented Language) is a high-level programming language designed primarily for business, finance, and administrative systems. Developed in the late 1950s, COBOL is known for its readability and ability to handle large volumes of data processing. It is still widely used in legacy systems within sectors like banking, government, and insurance. COBOL code is designed to be self-documenting, making it easier to maintain and update. Despite its age, COBOL remains critical for many organizations' core systems.

What are some common challenges faced by COBOL programmers when working with legacy systems?

COBOL programmers often encounter challenges such as deciphering poorly documented or outdated code, integrating modern technologies with decades-old mainframe environments, and ensuring minimal disruption during system updates. Collaboration with business analysts and other IT specialists is essential to accurately interpret legacy logic and translate business requirements. Despite these hurdles, working with COBOL can provide valuable experience in mission-critical financial, government, and insurance systems, offering job security and the potential to mentor new talent as organizations seek to modernize their infrastructure.

How much do COBOL programmers get paid?

COBOL programmers typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior or specialized programmers with certifications can earn higher salaries, especially in financial or government sectors where COBOL remains in use for legacy systems.

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

To thrive as a COBOL Programmer, you need a strong grasp of COBOL syntax, legacy system concepts, and experience with mainframe environments, often supported by a degree in computer science or related field. Familiarity with technical tools such as IBM z/OS, JCL (Job Control Language), and version control systems like Git is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for maintaining and updating complex, business-critical codebases. These skills ensure legacy systems remain reliable, secure, and adaptable to evolving organizational needs.

Are COBOL jobs still in demand?

COBOL programming jobs are still in demand in industries such as banking, finance, and government, where legacy systems rely on COBOL code. Many organizations seek experienced COBOL developers for maintenance, modernization, and integration projects, often requiring knowledge of mainframe environments and related tools.
What are popular job titles related to Cobol Programming Language jobs in California? For Cobol Programming Language jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cobol Programming Language jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Cobol Programming Language jobs in California are:
Cobol Programming Language jobs near you

Senior Mainframe COBOL Developer

Business Enterprize Inc.

Sacramento, CA • On-site

$53.25 - $68.50/hr

Other

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Greetings from Business Enterprize Inc.

We are currently looking for a Senior Mainframe/Cobol Developer for our Client in Sacramento, CA. Please submit your resume along with the expected rate per hour.


Role: Senior Mainframe/Cobol Developer

Location: Sacramento, CA

Duration: 12 Months

Job Responsibilities:

  • 10 years of experience within multiple, diverse technical configurations, technologies and processing environments.
  • 10 years of experience in developing technical solutions including privacy and security, standards development, and statewide stakeholder’s collaboration.
  • 10 years of experience in developing and testing in the IBM Mainframe z/OS environment.
  • 10 years of experience in developing and maintaining applications using Common Business-Oriented Language (COBOL).
  • 10 years of experience in utilizing Job Control Language (JCL).
  • 10 years of experience in utilizing Time Sharing Option (TSO).
  • 10 years of experience in utilizing and/or developing Customer Information Control System (CICS) applications.
  • 10 years of experience in developing and maintaining applications using Virtual Storage Access Method (VSAM) files.
  • 10 years of experience in developing and maintaining applications using DB2 for OS/390.
  • 5 years of experience in utilizing Microsoft Office (Visio, Word, Excel, Project).
  • 5 years of experience with System Development Lifecycle (SDLC) methodology.
  • 5 years of experience with Agile/SCRUM system development methodologies.
  • 2 years of experience working with Medicare and/or Medi-Cal.
  • 2 years of experience with large scale integration of a centralized state system with numerous geographically diverse local systems and organizations
  • of experience providing programming services on IT projects having a minimum one-time cost of two (2) million dollars
  • 2 years of Experience and/or familiarity with Enterprise Architecture (EA), Medicaid Information Technology Architecture (MITA), Enterprise Services Bus (ESB) technology, Service Oriented Architecture (SOA), application development, middleware, servers and storage, database management and operations.

Please submit 3 References along with the resume.

Apply