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Lead Cobol Developer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cobol Lead

$51.50 - $69.50/hr

* This role will assist with the development and support of an enterprise project to convert multiple mainframe Cobol applications into mainframe java applications. WatsonX for Z will be used for code ...

Mainframe COBOL Developer IV

Columbia, SC · On-site

$45.25 - $58.25/hr

May lead or provide expertise on assigned projects. * Work closely with customers, business ... Provide guidance to lower-level programmers/analysts. Act as an internal consultant by providing ...

COBOL/Mainframe Developer

Albany, NY · On-site

$48.75 - $62.50/hr

Job Title: COBOL/Mainframe Developer Location: Albany, NY (Onsite) We are currently seeking ... Proven track record as a Lead Programmer, responsible for guiding development teams and overseeing ...

TECHNICAL LEAD L1

Irvine, PA · On-site

$60K - $148K/yr

TECHNICAL LEAD L1 City: Irvine State/Province: California Posting Start Date: 7/2/26 Wipro Limited ... Cobol Developer. * Experience with Fujitsu NetCobol or MicroFocus Cobol desired. * Experience with ...

TECHNICAL LEAD L1(CONTRACT)

Irvine, PA · On-site

$60K - $148K/yr

TECHNICAL LEAD L1(CONTRACT) City: Irvine State/Province: California Posting Start Date: 7/2/26 ... Cobol Developer. * Experience with Fujitsu NetCobol or MicroFocus Cobol desired. * Experience with ...

This is also critical to help ensure that sufficient lead time is availalble for funding ... The COBOL programs may perform transaction processing or batch processing. Familiarity with both ...

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Lead Cobol Developer information

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$80.5K

$131K

$171K

How much do lead cobol developer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for lead cobol developer in the United States is $131,025.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $116,000.00 and $145,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are Lead Cobol Developers?

Lead Cobol Developers are senior-level professionals responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining software applications using the COBOL programming language, primarily for legacy systems in industries like banking, insurance, and government. They oversee teams of COBOL developers, provide technical guidance, and ensure that projects meet business and technical requirements. In addition to strong programming skills, they often collaborate with stakeholders to plan system upgrades, migrations, or integrations, and play a key role in troubleshooting and optimizing mainframe applications.

What is the difference between Lead Cobol Developer vs Cobol Developer?

AspectLead Cobol DeveloperCobol Developer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field, experience in COBOL, often leadership skillsBachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field, proficiency in COBOL
Work EnvironmentLead roles in team settings, project management, client interactionIndividual contributor, coding, testing, and debugging
Employer & Industry UsageFinancial institutions, government agencies, large corporationsFinancial services, insurance, government, and enterprise sectors

The main difference between a Lead Cobol Developer and a Cobol Developer lies in leadership responsibilities, project oversight, and team coordination. Lead Cobol Developers typically manage projects and mentor junior staff, while Cobol Developers focus on coding and technical tasks. Both roles require strong COBOL skills and industry experience, but the Lead position involves additional managerial duties.

What are the primary responsibilities of a Lead COBOL Developer in a modern enterprise environment?

As a Lead COBOL Developer, you will typically oversee the design, development, and maintenance of critical legacy systems, often within large financial, insurance, or government organizations. Your role involves not only hands-on coding but also mentoring junior developers, conducting code reviews, and collaborating with business analysts to translate requirements into effective solutions. You may also be responsible for planning modernization initiatives, integrating COBOL applications with newer technologies, and ensuring system reliability and compliance. Strong communication and leadership skills are essential, as you will frequently coordinate with cross-functional teams to deliver complex projects on time.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Lead COBOL Developer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lead COBOL Developer, you need deep expertise in COBOL programming, mainframe systems, and experience with software development life cycles, typically backed by a degree in computer science or related field. Familiarity with tools like IBM z/OS, JCL, DB2, and version control systems, as well as certifications in mainframe technologies, are commonly required. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help manage teams and coordinate with stakeholders effectively. These skills ensure successful project delivery, ongoing system maintenance, and efficient modernization of legacy applications.
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What cities are hiring for Lead Cobol Developer jobs? Cities with the most Lead Cobol Developer job openings:
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What job categories do people searching Lead Cobol Developer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Lead Cobol Developer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Lead Cobol Developer job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 7% Internship, 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 13% Contract, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 77% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $131,025 per year, or $63 per hour.
Cobol Lead

$51.50 - $69.50/hr

Contractor

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Job Description:
  • This role will assist with the development and support of an enterprise project to convert multiple mainframe Cobol applications into mainframe java applications.

WatsonX for Z will be used for code conversion. This role will assist with efforts required for the support of the code assist system as well as training and development of UPS staff during turnover.
Leads development/configuration of application modules and the deployment and maintenance of software applications
Possesses deep point and subject matter expertise primarily for coding and provision of testing services
Responsibilities include reviewing technical specifications and reengineering complex program components