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Entry Level Cobol Programmer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

GTS FZCO

Programmer Analyst

Dublin, CA · On-site

Coordinating a team of 2-3 entry-level and mid-level Computer Programmers, apply independent ... Java, .NET, Cobol, ETL, SAP, PeopleSoft, XML, Oracle, SQL and Agile. Additional Information All ...

GTS FZCO

Programmer Analyst

Dublin, CA · On-site

Coordinating a team of 2-3 entry-level and mid-level Computer Programmers, apply independent ... Java, .NET, Cobol, ETL, SAP, PeopleSoft, XML, Oracle, SQL and Agile. Qualifications Additional ...

InterSources Inc

Tandem Developer

Tampa, FL · On-site

Using Tools and Languages TAL, TACL, Tandem COBOL, TANDEM C++, ENSCRIBE, ENFORM, TANDEM pathway ... more modern programming languages: Tandem, NonStop, C++ and Java • Assist in planning ...

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Entry Level Cobol Programmer information

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$40

$58

$95

How much do entry level cobol programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level cobol programmer in the United States is $58.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43.27 and $67.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an entry level Cobol programmer?

An Entry Level COBOL Programmer is responsible for writing, testing, and maintaining COBOL code for business applications, often in legacy systems used by banks, insurance companies, and government agencies. They work under the guidance of senior developers to debug programs, analyze requirements, and update existing software. Strong problem-solving skills and knowledge of COBOL, JCL, and databases like DB2 are essential. This role is a great starting point for those interested in maintaining critical legacy systems while gaining experience in enterprise development.

What kinds of projects does an entry level Cobol programmer typically work on?

Entry Level Cobol Programmers often work on maintaining, updating, and testing legacy COBOL applications that are critical to sectors like finance, insurance, and government. You may help fix bugs, optimize existing code, or support migration projects as organizations modernize their IT infrastructure. Usually, you'll work closely with senior programmers and analysts, learning best practices and the business logic behind the systems. This hands-on exposure gives you valuable experience in large-scale, mission-critical environments and often opens pathways for advancement into more specialized programming or analysis roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level Cobol programmer?

To thrive as an Entry Level Cobol Programmer, you need a solid understanding of COBOL programming basics, database concepts, and often a relevant degree or coursework in computer science. Familiarity with mainframe environments such as IBM z/OS, version control tools, and potentially basic certifications in COBOL or mainframe technologies can be beneficial. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help in troubleshooting and collaborating with team members. These skills and qualities are vital for maintaining legacy systems, ensuring code quality, and supporting business-critical applications.

Are entry level Cobol programmers still in demand?

Entry level Cobol programmers are still in demand in industries such as banking, finance, and government that rely on legacy mainframe systems. These roles often require knowledge of mainframe environments, batch processing, and familiarity with tools like JCL and DB2, making basic programming skills valuable for maintaining existing applications.

How much do entry level Cobol programmers make?

Entry-level Cobol programmers typically earn between $50,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on location, industry, and experience. Starting salaries may be higher in regions with a strong demand for legacy system maintenance and in organizations requiring specific certifications or skills in mainframe environments.
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Entry Level Cobol Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Cobol Programmer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 7% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $121,161 per year, or $58.3 per hour.

Associate Application Developer

Brooksource

Lansing, MI • On-site

Other

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Position Overview

We are seeking analytical, detail-oriented individuals with strong mathematical aptitude to join our team as Entry-Level COBOL Developers. This is an excellent opportunity for recent graduates or professionals with a background in mathematics or math education who are interested in transitioning into software development.

No prior programming experience is required. We provide comprehensive training in COBOL and enterprise software development. Success in this role is driven by logical thinking, problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and a willingness to learn.

What You'll Do

  • Learn COBOL programming and enterprise application development through structured training.
  • Develop, enhance, and maintain business-critical applications.
  • Analyze business and technical requirements to create software solutions.
  • Debug and troubleshoot application issues.
  • Collaborate with developers, business analysts, and project teams.
  • Participate in testing, code reviews, and continuous improvement initiatives.
  • Document technical solutions and development activities.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Actuarial Science, Mathematics Education, or a closely related quantitative field.
  • Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.3.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
  • Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
  • Ability to learn new technologies quickly.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Comfortable working independently and within a collaborative team environment.

Preferred Background

We welcome candidates from backgrounds such as:

  • Mathematics
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Statistics
  • Actuarial Science
  • Mathematics Education (teachers looking to transition into technology)
  • Physics or other highly quantitative disciplines

Programming experience is not required. Candidates with experience in tutoring, teaching, research, or solving complex mathematical problems are encouraged to apply.


Ideal Candidate

You enjoy:

  • Solving complex problems using logic and structured thinking.
  • Working with numbers and patterns.
  • Learning new technical skills.
  • Finding efficient solutions to challenging problems.
  • Working in a collaborative, team-oriented environment.


Training & Development

Successful candidates will receive training in:

  • COBOL programming
  • Mainframe technologies
  • Enterprise software development
  • Software development lifecycle (SDLC)
  • Version control and development best practices
  • Testing and debugging methodologies


Why Join Us?

  • Paid technical training with no prior programming experience required.
  • Opportunity to launch a career in enterprise software development.
  • Mentorship from experienced developers.
  • Long-term career growth in a high-demand technology niche.
  • Collaborative and supportive team environment.


Apply