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Cobol Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

COBOL / Mainframe Developer

Washington, DC · On-site

$55.50 - $71.25/hr

We''ve been engaged to fill specifically allocated COBOL Developer roles as part of SSA''s ongoing mainframe modernization initiative. This is a federal GS-13/14/15 position with SSA -- a great ...

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Mainframe Developer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$49.50 - $63.75/hr

The ideal candidate should have hands-on experience with COBOL, JCL, DB2, CICS, VSAM, and IBM mainframe technologies, along with a solid understanding of banking processes such as deposits, loans ...

Mainframe Developer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$49.50 - $63.75/hr

The ideal candidate should have hands-on experience with COBOL, JCL, DB2, CICS, VSAM, and IBM mainframe technologies, along with a solid understanding of banking processes such as deposits, loans ...

Mainframe Developer

Mclean, VA · On-site

$49.50 - $63.75/hr

The ideal candidate should have hands-on experience with COBOL, JCL, DB2, CICS, VSAM, and IBM mainframe technologies, along with a solid understanding of banking processes such as deposits, loans ...

The role involves collaborating in an agile team environment, coding and maintaining software primarily in COBOL with some JAVA/AWS components to enhance solutions. Responsibilities : • Uses ...

Sr Mainframe Developer / Support

Mclean, VA · On-site

$49.50 - $63.75/hr

Exposure to Job control language program execution Exposure to COBOL DB2 program coding, Application development using CICS Exposure to Processing VSAM datasets and Dataset allocation, ISPF/PDF

The ideal candidate will possess strong expertise in COBOL development, systems integration, testing, maintenance, and production support within enterprise government systems. Key Responsibilities

The ideal candidate will possess strong expertise in COBOL development, systems integration, testing, maintenance, and production support within enterprise government systems. Key Responsibilities

Modernize legacy mainframe batch processes by translating existing COBOL/JCL logic into DataStage jobs * Develop and optimize PySpark-based data processing solutions for scalable data handling

Applications Dev Sr Prin

Sterling, VA · On-site

$132K - $226K/yr

BAE Systems and our customer are looking for Senior level Cobol Developers. These developers would support a multi-year project in the Dulles, VA area with our customer. You do NOT need to currently ...

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Cobol information

See Washington salary details

$12

$62

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How much do cobol jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for cobol in Washington is $62.88, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54.71 and $74.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 integration projects, often requiring knowledge of mainframe environments and related tools.

What are the most commonly searched types of Cobol jobs in Washington?

The most popular types of Cobol jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Cobol jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Cobol job openings:

Infographic showing various Cobol job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, and 40% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $130,787 per year, or $62.9 per hour.

Cobol Developer with Security Clearance

BAE Systems

Sterling, VA • On-site

$132K - $226K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired 2 days ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


BAE Systems rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 150 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

Job Description BAE Systems and our customer are looking for Senior level Cobol Developers. These developers would support a multi-year project in the Dulles, VA area with our customer. You do NOT need to currently possess security clearance to apply for this role, but you must be able to obtain a high level security clearance in order to onboard with the company. Required Education, Experience, & Skills * 10+ years overall experience in an environment utilizing COBOL
* Recent expertise in COBOL development/programming (within last 5 years, preferably current) * SQL and PL/SQL experience. * Experience in program documentation/writing procedures * Willing to be submitted for top level security clearance * Willing to start work on-site in northern VA within 45 days of security clearance completion * Willing to work completely on-site (no remote work) * Looking to work at least 5 years after receiving clearance Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills * BS Degree is Preferred * Experience supporting HR/Payroll/Financial systems * Experience with Jira & Confluence * Agile/scrum experience * Good working in a team environment * Experience with Infor Lawson Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $132962 - $226035 Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience. Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics. About BAE Systems Intelligence & Security BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it's what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts - defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team-making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you'll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference. Intelligence & Security (I&S), based in McLean, Virginia, designs and delivers advanced defense, intelligence, and security solutions that support the important missions of our customers. Our pride and dedication shows in everything we do-from intelligence analysis, cyber operations and IT expertise to systems development, systems integration, and operations and maintenance services. Knowing that our work enables the U.S. military and government to recognize, manage and defeat threats inspires us to push ourselves and our technologies to new levels. This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.

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About BAE Systems

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At BAE Systems, we provide some of the world's most advanced, technology-led defence, aerospace and security solutions. We employ a skilled workforce of more than 93,000 in around 40 countries. Working with customers and local partners, we develop, engineer, manufacture, and support products and systems to deliver military capability, protect national security and people, and keep critical information and infrastructure secure.

Industry

National security and international affairs and it services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US