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Lead Cobol Developer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Xforia, Inc.

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 ...

New

Ourhrconnect

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 ...

ACS Consultancy Services

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 ...

Ourhrconnect

Senior Developer - Cobol

Columbia, SC · Hybrid

Lead, plan, organize, and/or coordinate complex projects or phases of large projects. Determine and ... COBOL programming experience. * Experience with JCL for batch Jobs. * DB2 experience. Work ...

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All JobsLead Cobol Developer Jobs

Lead Cobol Developer information

See salary details

$80.5K

$131K

$171K

How much do lead cobol developer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 21, 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.

Will AI replace COBOL?

AI is unlikely to fully replace COBOL developers in the near term because many legacy systems still rely on COBOL for critical financial and business applications. Instead, COBOL developers are increasingly involved in maintaining, modernizing, and integrating existing systems with new technologies, often using tools like automated code generators and modernization platforms.

Are COBOL developers still in demand?

COBOL developers are still in demand in industries such as banking, finance, and government, where legacy systems rely on COBOL. Many organizations seek experienced developers to maintain, update, and modernize these systems, often requiring knowledge of mainframe environments and related tools.

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.

Are COBOL programmers still in demand?

COBOL programmers, including Lead COBOL Developers, are still in demand for maintaining and updating legacy systems in industries like banking and finance. Many organizations seek experienced developers with skills in mainframe environments, often requiring knowledge of tools like JCL and DB2. While new development is limited, expertise in COBOL remains valuable for system support and modernization projects.

How much do COBOL devs get paid?

Lead COBOL developers typically earn between $80,000 and $130,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and industry. Senior roles with specialized skills in mainframe environments and legacy system maintenance may command higher salaries, especially in financial and government sectors.

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.
More about Lead Cobol Developer jobs
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Lead Cobol Developer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Lead Cobol Developer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 47% Full Time, and 53% Contract. Highlights an 88% In-person, 5% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $131,025 per year, or $63 per hour.
MICROFOCUS Cobol Developer with .NET : Columbia, SC

MICROFOCUS Cobol Developer with .NET : Columbia, SC

Software People, Inc.

Columbia, SC • On-site

$46.50 - $63/hr

Contractor

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Please Let me know your Interest and rate for this position.

Phone/Skype Hire.

Location: Columbia, SC

Duration: 12+ months

Onsite from day 1 / Hybrid

Responsibilities

  • Analyze the web service, and batch business applications
  • Take the lead in analyzing and trouble-shooting assigned system problems
  • Propose solutions
  • Code, test, promote, and interact with impacted users ensuring that solution meets requirements.
  • Provide daily and weekly status to the development manager.

Skills Needed

  • 8 years of Development with MICROFOCUS Visual COBOL in Windows Server 2019/2022, batch and under IIS. 
  • 4 years of Development using Visual Studio 2019/2022 including the ability to use the debugger
  • 4 years of Application programming against RDBMS (Oracle, SQL).
  • 5 of years Ability to write complex queries using SQL for Oracle and MS SQL DB.
  • 2 of years IIS configuration/setup
  • 1 of year Microsoft C# .NET

Required Education

Bachelor’s degree in information technology related discipline with 8 years of experience or minimum 10 years related experience without degree.

Preferred Certifications

1. MS technical certifications will be factored in the selection process. 

2. Microfocus certifications are a significant advantage.