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Cobol Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 complex code structures to understand underlying functionality and business logic. * Translate ...

The candidate will not be required to code in mainframe, but it will be very beneficial if they can read and understand Cobol, JCL, TSO and Job Track. Candidate will be required to create ...

The candidate will not be required to code in mainframe, but it will be very beneficial if they can read and understand Cobol, JCL, TSO and Job Track. Candidate will be required to create ...

Mainframe Developer

Davenport, IA

$46.50 - $59.75/hr

Analyze existing legacy COBOL, JCL, and PL/1 code within the IBM Mainframe environment. Break down complex code structures to understand underlying functionality and business logic. Translate legacy ...

The candidate will not be required to code in mainframe, but it will be very beneficial if they can read and understand Cobol, JCL, TSO and Job Track. Candidate will be required to create ...

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.

Mainframe Developer

Davenport, IA · Hybrid

$43.50 - $55.75/hr

IBM Mainframe experience in JCL, TSO, COBOL, PL/I, and Easytrieve * Systems analysis, design, and programming * Maintaining and writing code using current Microsoft products or languages specific to ...

Cobol information

See Iowa salary details

$10

$52

$68

How much do cobol jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for cobol in Iowa is $52.15, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45.38 and $61.39 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Are COBOL jobs still in demand?

COBOL jobs are still in demand in industries such as banking, finance, and government, where legacy systems rely on COBOL for critical operations. Many organizations seek experienced COBOL programmers for maintenance, modernization, and migration projects, often requiring knowledge of mainframe environments and related tools.

What is COBOL?

COBOL, short for Common Business-Oriented Language, is a computer programming language that’s used mainly in commerce and for business applications. COBOL was created to be able to work across platforms and operating systems. Although it was first released in 1959, it remains in wide use, especially in legacy software run on mainframe computers. Although COBOL is slowly being phased out as companies and government agencies migrate programs from mainframes to new platforms, and write the new programs in different languages, there are still significant industries and fields, such as banking, finance, and infrastructure, that rely on COBOL.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a COBOL developer?

To thrive as a COBOL Developer, you need strong proficiency in COBOL programming, understanding of mainframe systems, and experience with legacy application maintenance, usually backed by a degree in computer science or related field. Familiarity with mainframe tools such as IBM z/OS, JCL, CICS, and database systems like DB2 is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for collaborating with teams and managing complex, mission-critical systems. These skills are essential to ensure the stability, modernization, and ongoing support of enterprise applications that rely on COBOL.

What are some common challenges COBOL developers face when maintaining legacy systems?

COBOL developers often encounter challenges such as deciphering poorly documented code, integrating COBOL applications with modern technologies, and working with outdated hardware or software environments. Additionally, they may need to address performance issues or resolve bugs in systems that have been modified by multiple teams over decades. Strong problem-solving skills and collaboration with business analysts and IT teams are essential to ensure that mission-critical applications remain reliable and efficient.
What are the most commonly searched types of Cobol jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Cobol jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Cobol jobs in Iowa? For Cobol jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Cobol jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Cobol jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Cobol jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Cobol job openings:
Infographic showing various Cobol job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $108,462 per year, or $52.1 per hour.

COBOL Developer

Marshall Technologies

Des Moines, IA • On-site

$49 - $66.25/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 27 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