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Contract Cobol Programmer Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Contract Cobol Programmer information

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$36

$52

$86

How much do contract cobol programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract cobol programmer in Tennessee is $52.87, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39.28 and $61.30 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract Cobol programmer?

A Contract Cobol Programmer is a temporary or freelance professional who develops, maintains, and updates applications written in COBOL, a legacy programming language commonly used in banking, insurance, and government systems. They typically work on short-term projects to modernize or troubleshoot existing COBOL systems. These programmers may be hired for system migrations, bug fixes, or performance optimizations. Contracts can vary in length and may be remote or onsite, depending on the employer's needs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract Cobol programmer?

A Contract Cobol Programmer typically needs strong expertise in Cobol programming, systems analysis, and mainframe operations, often supported by a degree in computer science or relevant experience. Familiarity with tools like IBM z/OS, JCL (Job Control Language), VSAM, and experience with legacy database systems are highly valued, along with optional certification in mainframe technologies. Strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, and clear communication enable effective collaboration with IT teams and business stakeholders. These competencies are crucial for efficiently maintaining, troubleshooting, and modernizing critical legacy systems that many organizations still rely on.

What are the typical projects and daily tasks for a contract Cobol programmer?

As a Contract Cobol Programmer, you’ll frequently work on projects involving the maintenance, enhancement, and migration of legacy mainframe applications. Daily tasks often include writing and optimizing Cobol code, troubleshooting system issues, conducting code reviews, and collaborating with business analysts or other IT professionals to gather requirements. You may also participate in testing, documentation, and providing support for production systems. The role often involves independently managing project tasks while adhering to set deadlines and quality standards, making adaptability and strong organizational skills essential.

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

The most popular types of Cobol Programmer jobs in Tennessee are:

What are popular job titles related to Contract Cobol Programmer jobs in Tennessee?

For Contract Cobol Programmer jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Contract Cobol Programmer jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Contract Cobol Programmer jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Contract Cobol Programmer jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most Contract Cobol Programmer job openings:

Infographic showing various Contract Cobol Programmer job openings in Tennessee as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 82% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 16% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $109,968 per year, or $52.9 per hour.

Application Manager

BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee

Chattanooga, TN • On-site, Remote

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

We are hiring an Application Manager on our Provider Applicationsand EDIS/Interoperabilityteam at BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee!

In this role, you will lead a broad portfolio of critical enterprise applications supporting our Imaging and Enterprise ContentManagement teams. Reporting to the Managing Director of Application Services, you will oversee multiple application development teams of 20+ associates and play a key role in driving modernization efforts across the organization. This position will be instrumental in transforming long-standing legacy platforms, advancing Agile and SAFe practices, and supporting strategic initiatives that improve how enterprise documents, imaging solutions, and communications are managed and delivered across BCBST. You'll partner closely with business and technology leaders to shape the future of these platforms while developing high-performing teams and fostering innovation.

Ideal candidates for the role will bring:

  • Proven experience leading application development or application support teams

  • Strong people leadership skills with experience managing large, cross-functional teams

  • Experience leading modernization, transformation, and organizational change initiatives

  • Knowledge of Agile and Scaled Agile Framework (SAFe) methodologies

  • A forward-thinking mindset with the ability to drive innovation and continuous improvement

  • Experience partnering with both technical and business stakeholders to deliver strategic outcomes

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Prior experience in the health insurance industry.

  • Exposure to AI-enabled solutions and emerging technologies

  • Familiarity with modern application development environments such as .NET and/or Java

  • Understanding of legacy technologies including COBOL and AIX

Note:

  • This is a remote, work-from-home position, but the final round of interviews will take place on-site in our Chattanooga, TN office

  • This role will support core Eastern Time business hours (8am-5pm ET)

  • Sponsorship is not available at this time

Job Responsibilities

  • Monitoring and maintaining adherence and compliance to quality standards on an ongoing basis.
  • Overseeing multiple application programming and analysis projects which include development, installation and maintenance of application programs.
  • Maximizing staff contribution through professional growth and development, to increase teamwork and more effectively meet business needs.
  • Analyzing applications to ensure that all systems that are developed, meeting business needs and specifications.

Job Qualifications

Education

  • Bachelor's Degree in a Computer Sciences related field or equivalent work experience

Experience

  • 8 years - Extensive systems analysis, design and project management experience required.
  • 3 years - Management and/or leadership experience required

Skills\Certifications

  • Proven technical background with a history of relational database and data warehousing technologies.
  • Ability to design and develop using service oriented architecture and object oriented architecture design patterns
  • Proven skill with information technology in use at BCBST is required
  • Ability to conceive and deliver innovative solutions
  • Proven analytical and problem solving skills and ability to perform non-routine analytical tasks
  • Strong interpersonal and organizational skills
  • Ability to establish and maintain a high level of customer trust and confidence
  • Must be able to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical co-workers
  • Demonstrated competency in strategic thinking, with strong abilities in relationship management
  • Demonstrated ability to work with vendors, including discussions for contracts, price negotiation, and budgeting

Number of Openings Available

1

Worker Type:

Employee

Company:

BCBST BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, Inc.

Applying for this job indicates your acknowledgement and understanding of the following statements:

BCBST will recruit, hire, train and promote individuals in all job classifications without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, citizenship, pregnancy, veteran status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Further information regarding BCBST's EEO Policies/Notices may be found by reviewing the following page:

BCBST's EEO Policies/Notices

BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee via-email, the Internet or any other method without a valid, written Direct Placement Agreement in place for this position from BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee HR/Talent Acquisition will not be considered. No fee will be paid in the event the applicant is hired by BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee as a result of the referral or through other means.