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Permanent Cobol Programmer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

PLANIT Group

COBOL Developer - Level III

$51.50 - $69.50/hr

PlanIT Group is seeking a COBOL Developer - Level III for our Federal customer in the Raleigh, NC ... Permanent Resident only. • Candidate must have lived in the United States for the past 5 years ...

Integrated Resources INC

COBOL DEVELOPER

Eddystone, PA

$48.75 - $65.75/hr

... COBOL & VSAM Developer with exposure to health insurance OR Long term Care OR Life Insurance ... This position would have to be onsite at Eddystone, PA This would be a permanent position.

E-Pro

COBOL Developer @ Sioux Falls, SD

Sioux Falls, SD · On-site

$50 - $67.75/hr

COBOL Developer @ Sioux Falls, SD E*Pro Consulting service offerings include contingent Staff Augmentation of IT professionals, Permanent Recruiting and Temp-to-Hire. In addition, our industry ...

WaveStrong, Inc.

Remote: Cobol Developer with Hogan

Dallas, TX · Remote

$49.75 - $67.25/hr

... permanent fixes Tune COBOL, DB2 and JCL jobs for optimal throughput and resource utilization ... programming and performance-tuning skills Experience working with VSAM files (ESDS, KSDS, RRDS ...

WaveStrong, Inc.

Remote: Cobol Developer with Hogan

Dallas, TX · On-site +1

$49.75 - $67.25/hr

... permanent fixes • Tune COBOL, DB2 and JCL jobs for optimal throughput and resource utilization ... DB2 SQL programming and performance-tuning skills • Experience working with VSAM files (ESDS ...

WaveStrong, Inc.

Remote: Cobol Developer with Hogan

Dallas, TX · Remote

$51.50 - $69.50/hr

... permanent fixes • Tune COBOL, DB2 and JCL jobs for optimal throughput and resource utilization ... DB2 SQL programming and performance-tuning skills • Experience working with VSAM files (ESDS ...

Kyndryl

COBOL Mainframe Application Developer

$115K - $218K/yr

COBOL Mainframe Developer At Kyndryl, we run and reimagine the mission-critical technology systems ... Production Support experience including break-fix support and permanent fixes in production.

Kyndryl

COBOL Mainframe Application Developer

$115K - $218K/yr

COBOL Mainframe Developer At Kyndryl, we run and reimagine the mission-critical technology systems ... Production Support experience including break-fix support and permanent fixes in production.

Kyndryl

COBOL Mainframe Application Developer

$115K - $218K/yr

COBOL Mainframe Developer At Kyndryl, we run and reimagine the mission-critical technology systems ... Production Support experience including break-fix support and permanent fixes in production.

Kyndryl

COBOL Mainframe Application Developer

$115K - $218K/yr

COBOL Mainframe Developer At Kyndryl, we run and reimagine the mission-critical technology systems ... Production Support experience including break-fix support and permanent fixes in production.

Kyndryl

COBOL Mainframe Application Developer

$115K - $218K/yr

COBOL Mainframe Developer At Kyndryl, we run and reimagine the mission-critical technology systems ... Production Support experience including break-fix support and permanent fixes in production.

PlanIT Group, LLC

Mainframe z/OS Developer

$50.25 - $64.50/hr

PlanIT Group, LLC is seeking a Mainframe z/OS Developer with extensive experience in COBOL ... permanent residence status (Green Card). Preferred : • Experience with DevOps practices on ...

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Permanent Cobol Programmer information

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How much do permanent cobol programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for permanent 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 are some typical projects and responsibilities a Permanent COBOL Programmer can expect to encounter in a modern IT environment?

As a Permanent COBOL Programmer, you will often work on maintaining and enhancing legacy systems critical to business operations, such as financial or insurance applications. Your responsibilities typically include analyzing existing code, debugging, implementing updates, and ensuring integration with newer technologies or platforms. You'll collaborate closely with business analysts, QA testers, and sometimes newer language developers to meet project goals and regulatory requirements. Staying adaptable is important, as you may also participate in system migrations or modernization projects, which can be both challenging and rewarding in terms of professional growth.

Will AI replace COBOL programmers?

AI is unlikely to fully replace COBOL programmers in the near future because many legacy systems still rely on COBOL, and maintaining or updating these systems requires specialized knowledge. While AI can assist with code analysis and automation, human expertise is essential for complex problem-solving and system integration in COBOL environments.

Are COBOL developers still in demand?

COBOL developers are still in demand for maintaining and updating legacy systems in industries like finance and government. Many organizations seek experienced programmers with knowledge of mainframe environments and COBOL programming skills to support critical operations. However, the overall demand is declining as newer technologies emerge, and opportunities are often specialized and niche.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Permanent Cobol Programmer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Permanent Cobol Programmer, you need expertise in COBOL programming, mainframe systems, and a solid understanding of legacy business applications, usually backed by a degree in computer science or related experience. Familiarity with tools like IBM z/OS, JCL (Job Control Language), and database systems such as DB2 is typically required. Strong problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective communication help you excel when maintaining and upgrading critical business systems. These skills are vital for ensuring the reliability and efficiency of legacy operations that many organizations still depend on.

What are Permanent COBOL Programmers?

Permanent COBOL Programmers are full-time employees who specialize in using the COBOL programming language to develop, maintain, and update legacy software systems, often within industries like banking, insurance, and government. Unlike contractors or temporary staff, permanent COBOL programmers are typically long-term members of an organization, providing ongoing support and enhancements to critical business applications. Their responsibilities can include coding, system analysis, debugging, and collaborating with other IT professionals to ensure the reliability and efficiency of COBOL-based systems.

How much do COBOL programmers get paid?

The average salary for COBOL programmers varies by experience and location but typically ranges from $70,000 to $120,000 annually. Experienced programmers with specialized skills in mainframe environments and legacy systems tend to earn higher salaries, especially in industries like finance and government that rely heavily on COBOL applications.

Are COBOL programmers still in demand?

COBOL programmers are still in demand in industries such as banking, finance, and government, where legacy systems rely on COBOL code. Many organizations seek experienced programmers for maintenance, modernization, and migration projects, often requiring knowledge of mainframe environments and related tools.

What is the difference between Permanent Cobol Programmer vs Permanent Java Developer?

AspectPermanent Cobol ProgrammerPermanent Java Developer
Required CredentialsTypically a degree in Computer Science or related field, with experience in COBOLSimilar degree requirements, with Java certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentMainly legacy systems in banking, finance, and government sectorsModern application development across various industries including tech, finance, and retail
Employer & Industry UsageFinancial institutions, government agencies, insurance companiesTech firms, startups, large corporations across multiple sectors

While both roles require programming skills and related credentials, Permanent Cobol Programmers focus on maintaining legacy systems in traditional industries, whereas Permanent Java Developers work on modern applications across diverse sectors.

More about Permanent Cobol Programmer jobs
What cities are hiring for Permanent Cobol Programmer jobs? Cities with the most Permanent Cobol Programmer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Cobol Programmer jobs? The most popular types of Cobol Programmer jobs are:
What states have the most Permanent Cobol Programmer jobs? States with the most job openings for Permanent Cobol Programmer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Permanent Cobol Programmer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Permanent Cobol Programmer jobs are:
Permanent Cobol Programmer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Permanent Cobol Programmer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 76% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $121,161 per year, or $58.3 per hour.
COBOL Developer - Level III

COBOL Developer - Level III

PLANIT Group

Remote

$51.50 - $69.50/hr

Other

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

PlanIT Group is seeking a COBOL Developer - Level III for our Federal customer in the Raleigh, NC area. The ideal candidate will have experience working in a Mainframe Payroll application
Must have 8+ years of hands-on experience with COBOL programming on IBM z/OS, proficiency in JCL, VSAM, DB2, IMS, and CICS, experience in mainframe migration projects or modernization initiatives is preferred. Familiarity with mainframe communication tools such as CICS and mainframe security protocols, including RACF.
Job Title : COBOL Developer - Level III
Location: Remote
Start Date: 05/05/25
Submit resumes: 04/30/25
Duration: One year plus annual extensions
COBOL Developer - Level III (Remote):
Description:
Researches, designs, implements and manage software programs as well as testing and evaluating new programs. Resolves problems with software and responds to suggestions for improvements and enhancements. Writing and implementing efficient code. Develop quality assurance procedures and deploy software tools, processes, and metrics. Works closely with other developers, UX designers, business, and systems analysts. Participates in development of software user manuals. Instructs, assigns, directs, and checks the work of other software developers on development team. Consults with engineering staff to evaluate software-hardware interfaces and develop specifications and performance requirements.
Required:
• Experience working in a Mainframe Payroll application
• 8+ years of hands-on experience with COBOL programming on IBM z/OS.
• Proficiency in JCL, VSAM, DB2, IMS, and CICS.
• Experience in mainframe migration projects or modernization initiatives is preferred.
• Familiarity with mainframe communication tools such as CICS and mainframe security protocols, including RACF.
Technical Skills
• Must be proficient in JCL, COBOL, VSAM, and CICS.
• Strong knowledge of batch processing and online transaction processing.
• Must have experience with IBM utilities, TSO/ISPF, and Abend-AID.
• Experience with Control-D, Control-M, File-AID
• Knowledge of best practices in mainframe migration planning, including risk assessment and resource management.
Soft Skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills, especially for collaborating on mainframe integration with Java developers and migration planning.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment with a focus on quality and attention to detail.
Preferred:
• Experience with DevOps practices on mainframes, including tools like Jenkins and Git.
• Prior experience with performance tuning on mainframe systems
• Prior experience with ServiceNow
Additional Required Skills/Experience:
o A minimum of eight (8) to twelve (12) years' relevant experience.
o A degree from an accredited College/University in the applicable field of services is required. If the individual's degree is not in the applicable field then four additional years of related experience is required.
o Typically performs all functional duties independently.
o Note: Special credentials (licenses and/or certifications) may be required at the Task Order level on a case-specific basis. "
Additional Provisions:
• Must be able to obtain a Position of Public Trust Clearance
• Pass both a client mandated clearance process to include drug screening, criminal history check and credit check.
• All candidates must be a US Citizen or US Permanent Resident only.
• Candidate must have lived in the United States for the past 5 years.
• Cannot have more than 6 months travel outside the United States within the last five years. Military Service excluded. (Exception does not include military family members.)

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