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Cobol Programming Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Marshall Technologies

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 ...

Robert Half

COBOL Developer

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$95K - $115K/yr

COBOL Developer Location: Des Moines, IA - Hybrid Salary: $95,000 - $115,000 base (depending on experience) + bonus + exceptional benefits *** For immediate and confidential consideration, please ...

Saige Partners

Mainframe Developer

Davenport, IA · On-site

$46.50 - $59.75/hr

The successful Mainframe Developer will play a critical role in deciphering the functionality of ... Analyze existing legacy COBOL, JCL, and PL/1 code within the IBM Mainframe environment. * Break ...

Saige Partners

Mainframe Developer

Davenport, IA · On-site

$46.50 - $59.75/hr

Analyze existing legacy COBOL, JCL, and PL/1 code within the IBM Mainframe environment. Break down ... Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field preferred. If you are ...

Accenture

Mainframe Specialist

Des Moines, IA · 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 ...

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Cobol Programming information

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$37

$54

$89

How much do cobol programming jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for cobol programming in Iowa is $54.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40.62 and $63.46 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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documentation, integrating legacy systems with modern technologies, and addressing performance or security issues in outdated environments.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?

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.

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.

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 roles or those with specialized skills in mainframe environments can command higher salaries, especially with certifications and extensive experience.

Is there a demand for Cobol programmers?

Cobol programmers are still in demand for maintaining and updating legacy systems in banking, finance, and government sectors. Many organizations seek experienced developers with knowledge of mainframe environments and skills in debugging, testing, and modernization of Cobol applications.

What are popular job titles related to Cobol Programming jobs in Iowa?

For Cobol Programming jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Cobol Programming jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Cobol Programming jobs in Iowa are:

Cobol Programming jobs near you
Infographic showing various Cobol Programming job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 78% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $113,802 per year, or $54.7 per hour.

COBOL Developer

Marshall Technologies

Des Moines, IA • On-site

$49 - $66.25/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 4 days ago

Job description

Job Title: 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 application development and support. The ideal candidate should have strong expertise in COBOL, JCL, DB2, and related legacy technologies. This role involves working closely with business analysts, QA teams, and other developers to maintain, enhance, and support critical business applications.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Design, develop, test, implement, and support mainframe-based applications using COBOL, JCL, DB2, VSAM, and CICS.

  • Translate application storyboards and use cases into functional programs.

  • Analyze business and functional requirements and convert them into scalable technical solutions.

  • Participate in the full software development life cycle including requirements gathering, design, development, testing, and implementation.

  • Troubleshoot and resolve issues in production and development environments.

  • Write clean, efficient, reusable, and well-documented code.

  • Perform performance tuning, code optimization, and debugging.

  • Participate in code reviews, testing activities, and contribute to automation and best practices.

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure quality and timely delivery of solutions.

Required Skills & Qualifications:

  • 6+ years of hands-on experience in COBOL, JCL, DB2, VSAM, and CICS.

  • Experience with mainframe job scheduling and change management tools (e.g., Endevor).

  • Strong knowledge of SQL, data structures, and relational database principles.

  • Experience in reporting/analytics using mainframe tools and processes.

  • Solid understanding of scalable application design principles and software engineering best practices.

  • Familiarity with ServiceNow, Eclipse, DB Visualizer, or Microsoft SQL Server is a plus.

  • Excellent problem-solving and debugging skills.

  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

Preferred Attributes:

  • Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.

  • Strong organizational and documentation skills.

  • Experience in production support and handling critical business applications.

Tools & Technologies:

  • Languages: COBOL, JCL, SQL

  • Databases: DB2, VSAM

  • Transaction Processing: CICS

  • Version Control & Change Management: Endevor

  • Tools/Software: ServiceNow, Eclipse, DB Visualizer, MS SQL Server