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Cobol Programming Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Mainframe Specialist

Denver, CO · On-site

$70K - $196K/yr

Partner with cross-functional teams-architects, developers, QA, and business analysts-to gather ... COBOL, JCL, VSAM, CICS, DB2, Assembler, REXX, SPUFI, TSO/ISPF, or RACF. * Minimum 3+ years leading ...

Bank is seeking a Software Engineer who will contribute toward the success of our technology ... Experience with COBOL development, debugging, and maintenance across complex mainframe applications

Cobol Programming information

See Colorado salary details

$42

$61

$100

How much do cobol programming jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for cobol programming in Colorado is $61.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45.48 and $71.01 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Are COBOL programmers still in demand?

COBOL programmers are still in demand for maintaining and updating legacy systems in industries like banking, finance, and government. Many organizations seek experienced programmers with knowledge of mainframe environments and COBOL programming skills to ensure system stability and compliance.

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

COBOL programmers often encounter challenges such as deciphering decades-old code with minimal documentation, integrating legacy systems with modern technologies, and addressing performance or security issues in outdated environments. Collaboration with business analysts and other IT specialists is crucial to understand system requirements and ensure successful maintenance or upgrades. Adapting to changes and continuous learning about newer integration tools can greatly help in overcoming these challenges and advancing in this specialized field.

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 solid understanding of COBOL language syntax, legacy systems, and business application development, often supported by a degree in computer science or related experience. Familiarity with mainframe environments, tools like IBM z/OS, JCL (Job Control Language), and database management systems is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for analyzing requirements and collaborating with cross-functional teams. These skills are important for maintaining and modernizing critical business systems, ensuring reliability, and supporting ongoing organizational operations.

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 legacy systems are prevalent.

What is COBOL programming?

COBOL (Common Business-Oriented Language) programming refers to writing, maintaining, and updating computer programs using the COBOL language. COBOL is one of the earliest high-level programming languages and is primarily used in business, finance, and administrative systems for companies and governments. Despite being decades old, COBOL remains vital for many legacy systems, especially in banking and insurance sectors. COBOL programmers are responsible for ensuring these critical systems run smoothly and efficiently, often integrating them with modern technologies.

Do COBOL programmers work remotely?

Many COBOL programmers work remotely, especially those involved in maintaining legacy systems for financial institutions and government agencies. Remote work options depend on the employer, project requirements, and the need for secure access to sensitive data, but remote opportunities are common in the industry.

Will AI replace COBOL?

COBOL programmers are unlikely to be fully replaced by AI in the near term, as many legacy systems still rely on COBOL for critical financial and government applications. AI can assist with code maintenance and modernization, but human expertise remains essential for complex, mission-critical tasks involving COBOL. Skills in understanding legacy systems and integrating new technologies are valuable in this field.
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Infographic showing various Cobol Programming job openings in Colorado as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 10% Internship, 15% As Needed, 43% Full Time, 3% Part Time, 6% Contract, and 23% Nights. Highlights an 81% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $127,403 per year, or $61.3 per hour.
Mainframe Specialist

Mainframe Specialist

Accenture

Denver, CO • On-site

$70K - $196K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Accenture Federal Services rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

59th of 487 rated business services


Job description

About the Role

Are you a seasoned Mainframe Specialist with deep, hands-on command of COBOL, JCL, VSAM, CICS, DB2, Assembler, REXX, SPUFI, TSO/ISPF, and RACF? We are looking for exceptional talent to join our Mainframe Modernization practice and serve as a technical anchor for high-impact transformation programs. Depending on experience, this role may be filled at the Mainframe Specialist or Associate Manager level.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership

  • Serve as subject-matter expert across core mainframe technologies, providing hands-on guidance to project teams and clients.

  • Lead the design, development, and modernization of mainframe applications, enforcing best practices and architectural standards.

  • Evaluate legacy systems and propose actionable modernization strategies-covering rehosting, refactoring, re-platforming, and reengineering approaches.

  • Oversee the implementation of approved modernization roadmaps, from inception through go-live.

Collaboration & Delivery

  • Partner with cross-functional teams-architects, developers, QA, and business analysts-to gather requirements, analyze business needs, and deliver high-quality solutions.

  • Collaborate with senior leadership to secure executive sponsorship and organizational buy-in for modernization investments.

  • Maintain strong client and stakeholder relationships, providing expert guidance on strategy, risk, and solution design.

People & Practice Development

  • Mentor and coach junior team members, cultivating their mainframe and modernization skills.

  • Define and continuously refine the practice roadmap, aligning modernization initiatives with organizational goals.

  • Stay current with industry trends and emerging mainframe technologies, incorporating new capabilities into the practice.

This role may require up to 100% travel based on client engagement requirements

Basic Qualifications

  • Minimum 3+ years of hands-on mainframe development experience in one or more of: COBOL, JCL, VSAM, CICS, DB2, Assembler, REXX, SPUFI, TSO/ISPF, or RACF.

  • Minimum 3+ years leading or executing mainframe modernization initiatives with a demonstrable track record of delivery.

  • Bachelor's degree, or equivalent minimum 12 years' work experience. (Associate's Degree requires minimum 6 years' work experience.)

Preferred Qualifications

  • Certifications in mainframe technologies (e.g., IBM Certified) and project management (e.g., PMP, SAFe).

  • Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills-proven ability to inspire and motivate cross-functional teams.

  • Strategic thinker with the ability to analyze complex legacy environments and craft innovative, pragmatic modernization solutions.

  • Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) as modernization targets.


Compensation at Accenture varies depending on a wide array of factors, which may include but are not limited to the specific office location, role, skill set, and level of experience. As required by local law, Accenture provides a reasonable range of compensation for roles that may be hired as set forth below.
We anticipate this job posting will be posted until 08/16/2026.
Accenture offers a market competitive suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability coverage, a 401(k) plan, bonus opportunities, paid holidays, and paid time off. See more information on our benefits here:

U.S. Employee Benefits | Accenture


Role Location Annual Salary Range
California $70,350 to $196,000
Cleveland $59,100 to $156,800
Colorado $63,800 to $169,300
District of Columbia $68,000 to $180,300
Illinois $59,100 to $169,300
Maine $54,400 to $144,300
Maryland $63,800 to $169,300
Massachusetts $63,800 to $180,300
Minnesota $63,800 to $169,300
New York $66,300 to $196,000
New Jersey $68,000 to $196,000
Virginia $59,100 to $180,300
Washington $80,200 to $180,300

About Accenture

Accenture is a leading global professional services company that helps the world's leading businesses, governments and other organizations build their digital core, optimize their operations, accelerate revenue growth and enhance citizen services-creating tangible value at speed and scale. We are a talent- and innovation-led company with approximately 791,000 people serving clients in more than 120 countries. Technology is at the core of change today, and we are one of the world's leaders in helping drive that change, with strong ecosystem relationships. We combine our strength in technology and leadership in cloud, data and AI with unmatched industry experience, functional expertise and global delivery capability. Our broad range of services, solutions and assets across Strategy & Consulting, Technology, Operations, Industry X and Song, together with our culture of shared success and commitment to creating 360 value, enable us to help our clients reinvent and build trusted, lasting relationships. We measure our success by the 360 value we create for our clients, each other, our shareholders, partners and communities.

Visit us atwww.accenture.com

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Accenture is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for persons with disabilities or religious observances, including reasonable accommodation when needed. If you are hired by Accenture and require accommodation to perform the essential functions of your role, you will be asked to participate in our reasonable accommodation process. Accommodations made to facilitate the recruiting process are not a guarantee of future or continued accommodations once hired.

If you would like to be considered for employment opportunities with Accenture and have accommodation needs such as for a disability or religious observance, please call us toll free at 1 (877) 889-9009 or send us anemailor speak with your recruiter.

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We believe that no one should be discriminated against because of their differences.All employment decisions shall be made without regard to age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability status, military veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status or any other basis as protected by applicable law.Our rich diversity makes us more innovative, more competitive, and more creative, which helps us better serve our clients and our communities.

For details, view a copy of the Accenture Equal Opportunity Statement

Accenture is an EEO and Affirmative Action Employer of Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities.

Accenture is committed to providing veteran employment opportunities to our service men and women.

Other Employment Statements

Applicants for employment in the US must have work authorization that does not now or in the future require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the United States.

Candidates who are currently employed by a client of Accenture or an affiliated Accenture business may not be eligible for consideration.

Job candidates will not be obligated to disclose sealed or expunged records of conviction or arrest as part of the hiring process. Further, at Accenture a criminal conviction history is not an absolute bar to employment.

The Company will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. Additionally, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the Company's legal duty to furnish information.

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