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Independent Contractor Cobol Programmer Jobs in Iowa

COBOL Developer

Des Moines, IA ยท On-site

$49 - $66.25/hr

COBOL Developer Location: Des Moines, IA (Onsite) Duration: 12+ Months Type: Contract (W2/C2C) Job ... Preferred Attributes: * Ability to work independently as well as part of a team. * Strong ...

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Independent Contractor Cobol Programmer information

See Iowa salary details

$37

$54

$89

How much do independent contractor cobol programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for independent contractor cobol programmer 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 is an independent contractor Cobol programmer?

An Independent Contractor COBOL Programmer is a self-employed professional who develops, maintains, and upgrades COBOL-based systems for clients on a contract basis. They often work with legacy systems in industries like banking, insurance, and government. Their responsibilities include analyzing business requirements, debugging code, and optimizing software performance. Since they are contractors, they typically handle multiple projects, set their own schedules, and negotiate their own rates.

What types of projects or tasks can I expect as an independent contractor Cobol programmer?

As an Independent Contractor Cobol Programmer, you will often be engaged in tasks such as maintaining, enhancing, and troubleshooting legacy COBOL applications, as well as performing data migrations or system integrations. You might work with cross-functional teams including business analysts, QA testers, and system architects to ensure business and technical requirements are met. Projects can range from short-term bug fixes to long-term modernization initiatives, requiring adaptability and strong problem-solving skills. This role typically involves managing your own workload and deadlines while effectively communicating progress and challenges to the client or project team.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an independent contractor Cobol programmer?

To thrive as an Independent Contractor Cobol Programmer, you need strong expertise in COBOL programming, legacy systems maintenance, and a solid understanding of mainframe environments, usually supported by relevant experience in IT or computer science. Familiarity with IBM z/OS, JCL, DB2 databases, and source code management tools is commonly required, and certifications in these areas can be beneficial. Effective communication, time management, and self-motivation are key soft skills for managing projects independently and collaborating remotely with clients or teams. These skills ensure successful project delivery, adherence to client specifications, and the ability to respond to evolving technical and business requirements.

How much are independent contractor COBOL programmers paid?

Independent contractor COBOL programmers typically earn between $50 and $150 per hour, depending on experience, location, and project complexity. Senior programmers with specialized skills may command higher rates, especially for short-term or high-demand projects.

Is there still a demand for independent contractor COBOL programmers?

Independent contractor COBOL programmers are still in demand for maintaining legacy systems in industries such as banking, finance, and government. These roles often require knowledge of mainframe environments, COBOL programming, and sometimes additional skills like JCL or DB2. While new development is limited, experienced COBOL contractors are valued for system updates and migrations.

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Independent Contractor Cobol Programmer jobs in Iowa?

For Independent Contractor Cobol Programmer jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Independent Contractor Cobol Programmer jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Independent Contractor Cobol Programmer jobs in Iowa are:

COBOL Developer

Marshall Technologies

Des Moines, IA โ€ข On-site

$49 - $66.25/hr

Contractor

Re-posted 24 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