Post Job

What does a Cobol Programmer do?

Updated January 8, 2025
7 min read
Quoted Expert
Frank McCown Ph.D.

Cobol Programmers write computer programs using COBOL. They design, create, and configure new program codes, test these computer programs to ensure they work well on the intended system, and make the required changes. They also fine-tune DB2 SQL inquiries, gather and document operating system requirements, maintain and develop COBOL, and document, implement, design, and enhance systems and computer programs. Cobol Programmers code libraries to simplify program writing, test COBOL program errors, and correct computer code faulty lines.

On This Page

Cobol programmer responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real cobol programmer resumes:

  • Lead team in the development of an online application using JavaScript and XML that access mainframe components.
  • Train the local programming staff in JCL and in revise COBOL coding to take advantage of the expanded mainframe processing capacity.
  • Achieve improved efficiency and cost reduction goals through efforts and expertise provide in multiple LPAR eliminations and data center consolidations.
  • Modify and unit test programs using SAS, SQL, COBOL and UNIX according to business requirement.
  • Work extensively with Changeman packages, TSO, ISPF and Ingenium base software.
  • Design and develop batch process to FTP reports to the respective destinations using FTP thru REXX programs.
  • Use IBM's database tool IMS DB/DC (VSAM base).
  • Train in ENDEVOR, APS, EASYTREIVE, QUICKEDIT, ASDD and other software integral to BCBSSC.
  • Used XPEDITER for debugging programs.
  • Conduct UNIX training for new employees.
  • Develop and test PROCS for corresponding programs.
  • Work are performed via TSO to remote mainframe.
  • Web development using WebFocus, HTML, Java, JavaScript.
  • Work with JAVA programmers to pass data between mainframe and web applications.
  • Ensure quality standards with deliverables by debugging, testing, and ensuring functionality.

Cobol programmer skills and personality traits

We calculated that 14% of Cobol Programmers are proficient in SQL, COBOL, and Debugging. They’re also known for soft skills such as Detail oriented, Troubleshooting skills, and Analytical skills.

We break down the percentage of Cobol Programmers that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • SQL, 14%

    Programmed retirement services applications utilizing both Micro Focus AcuCobol and SQL

  • COBOL, 8%

    Developed financial database applications in COBOL.

  • Debugging, 6%

    Facilitated usage of Expediter debugging software to analyze and step through code to determine corrective action.

  • IBM Mainframe, 5%

    Designed and implemented on-line architecture on IBM mainframe CICS platform.

  • Db2, 5%

    Trouble shot and massaged DB2 table customer data using File-Aid to correct customer billing system to bypass 500 known bugs.

  • VSAM, 5%

    Used IDCAMS utility to create test VSAM clusters for sequential, indexed and random file processing during testing.

"sql," "cobol," and "debugging" are among the most common skills that cobol programmers use at work. You can find even more cobol programmer responsibilities below, including:

Detail oriented. The most essential soft skill for a cobol programmer to carry out their responsibilities is detail oriented. This skill is important for the role because "computer programmers must closely examine the code they write because a small mistake can affect the entire computer program." Additionally, a cobol programmer resume shows how their duties depend on detail oriented: "guided team members to prepare detailed test plans and program specifications by providing necessary templates. "

Troubleshooting skills. Many cobol programmer duties rely on troubleshooting skills. "an important part of a programmer’s job is to check the code for errors and fix any they find.," so a cobol programmer will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways cobol programmer responsibilities rely on troubleshooting skills: "performed database searches on db2 tables to assist in troubleshooting of discrepancies in vendor payment amounts for specific time frames. "

Analytical skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of cobol programmers is analytical skills. This skill is critical to many everyday cobol programmer duties, as "computer programmers must understand complex instructions in order to create computer code." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "worked with java programmers to pass data between mainframe and web applications. "

Most common cobol programmer skills

The three companies that hire the most cobol programmers are:

Choose from 10+ customizable cobol programmer resume templates

Build a professional cobol programmer resume in minutes. Our AI resume writing assistant will guide you through every step of the process, and you can choose from 10+ resume templates to create your cobol programmer resume.
Cobol Programmer Resume
Cobol Programmer Resume
Cobol Programmer Resume
Cobol Programmer Resume
Cobol Programmer Resume
Cobol Programmer Resume
Cobol Programmer Resume
Cobol Programmer Resume
Cobol Programmer Resume
Cobol Programmer Resume
Cobol Programmer Resume
Cobol Programmer Resume
Cobol Programmer Resume
Cobol Programmer Resume
Cobol Programmer Resume
Cobol Programmer Resume

Compare different cobol programmers

Cobol programmer vs. Ios developer

An iOS developer specializes in designing and creating iOS applications suitable for Apple devices, ensuring quality and smooth workflow. Their responsibilities typically revolve around collaborating with different developers to design and establish the applications' structure and features, developing a test system to identify its potential vulnerabilities, performing corrective measures, and conducting regular maintenance checks to ensure its quality. Moreover, they may release the application on the App Store, resolve any bugs, and spearhead constant updates for optimal application performance.

We looked at the average cobol programmer salary and compared it with the wages of an ios developer. Generally speaking, ios developers are paid $16,657 higher than cobol programmers per year.Even though cobol programmers and ios developers are distinct careers, a few of the skills required for both jobs are similar. For example, both careers require debugging, java, and qa in the day-to-day roles and responsibilities.

These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of a cobol programmer are more likely to require skills like "sql," "cobol," "tip," and "ibm mainframe." On the other hand, a job as an ios developer requires skills like "objective c," "ui," "git," and "api." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.

Ios developers earn the highest salaries when working in the finance industry, with an average yearly salary of $108,088. On the other hand, cobol programmers are paid more in the finance industry with an average salary of $94,634.ios developers tend to reach higher levels of education than cobol programmers. In fact, ios developers are 14.3% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 0.2% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.

Cobol programmer vs. Net developer

A NET developer specializes in crafting and producing various software and information systems through extensive computer and information technology knowledge. A NET developer's responsibilities range from designing and developing applications, generating codes and building a secure database, implementing regulations, and providing continuous support and maintenance. A NET developer must also have an active line of communication and coordination as there are instances when one's work revolves in a team setting or meets particular demands or specifications from a client.

A career as a net developer brings a higher average salary when compared to the average annual salary of a cobol programmer. In fact, net developers salary is $4,105 higher than the salary of cobol programmers per year.While the salary may differ for these jobs, they share a few skills needed to perform their duties. Based on resume data, both cobol programmers and net developers have skills such as "debugging," "java," and "sdlc. "

While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that cobol programmer responsibilities requires skills like "sql," "cobol," "tip," and "ibm mainframe." But a net developer might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "sql server," "t-sql," "c # .net," and "javascript."

Net developers earn a higher average salary than cobol programmers. But net developers earn the highest pay in the retail industry, with an average salary of $94,650. Additionally, cobol programmers earn the highest salaries in the finance with average pay of $94,634 annually.In general, net developers achieve higher levels of education than cobol programmers. They're 11.4% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.2% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Cobol Programmers in the next 3-5 years?

Frank McCown Ph.D.Frank McCown Ph.D. LinkedIn Profile

Associate Professor, Harding University

Software continues to move to mobile devices and the web and away from desktop applications. The pandemic has encouraged growth in applications that make in-person transactions go away, and that trend will likely continue. Obviously AI-enabled or assisted applications will continue to grow.

Cobol programmer vs. Applications developer

An application developer is responsible for creating program applications for devices based on clients' specifications and business needs. Application developers must have excellent knowledge of computer systems, as well as a strong command of programming languages to develop customized programs. Duties of an application developer also include running diagnostic tests to ensure the application's performance and stability, providing instruction manuals for reference, performing troubleshooting for any inconsistencies, upgrading design codes for optimization, and launching the application following the client's timetable.

An average applications developer eans a higher salary compared to the average salary of cobol programmers. The difference in salaries amounts to applications developers earning a $4,326 higher average salary than cobol programmers.Using the responsibilities included on cobol programmers and applications developers resumes, we found that both professions have similar skill requirements, such as "cobol," "debugging," and "vsam.rdquo;

The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, cobol programmers are more likely to have skills like "sql," "tip," "ibm mainframe," and "db2." But a applications developer is more likely to have skills like "javascript," "database," "html," and "application development."

Applications developers earn the best pay in the finance industry, where they command an average salary of $103,905. Cobol programmers earn the highest pay from the finance industry, with an average salary of $94,634.applications developers typically earn higher educational levels compared to cobol programmers. Specifically, they're 11.1% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.2% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Cobol programmer vs. Software developer

A software developer is responsible for designing application systems to support the user and business' needs. Duties of a software developer include testing software codes, performing diagnostic programs and troubleshooting, interpreting system data and establishing efficient parameters, and ensuring the compatibility of the systems. A software developer must have an excellent knowledge of computer programs and programming languages to understand its complexities, especially on detecting system defects and malfunctions. A software developer must have strong attention to detail, communication, and decision-making skills to coordinate with the team and also work independently under minimal supervision.

Software developers average a higher salary than the annual salary of cobol programmers. The difference is about $2,642 per year.While their salaries may vary, cobol programmers and software developers both use similar skills to perform their duties. Resumes from both professions include skills like "cobol," "debugging," and "z os. "Each job also requires different skills to carry out their responsibilities. A cobol programmer uses "sql," "tip," "ibm mainframe," and "db2." Software developers are more likely to have duties that require skills in "python," "software development," "javascript," and "database. "The finance industry tends to pay the highest salaries for software developers, with average annual pay of $96,138. Comparatively, the highest cobol programmer annual salary comes from the finance industry.In general, software developers hold higher degree levels compared to cobol programmers. Software developers are 12.3% more likely to earn their Master's Degree and 0.6% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of cobol programmer

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Browse computer and mathematical jobs