Developer cobol

It is estimated that 95% of global banking transactions still rely on COBOL code. Yet, the COBOL developer remains one of the least known tech profiles to the general public and one of the most sought-after in the IT job market. Let's explore this profession together.

What is a COBOL developer?

A COBOL developer is a software engineer specializing in the COBOL (Common Business-Oriented Language) programming language, designed in the 1950s to process large volumes of business data. They primarily work on IBM mainframe systems (z/OS), where the most critical applications of large organizations are concentrated.

Their role isn't limited to writing code. They analyze requirements, design solutions based on technical specifications, evolve COBOL programs, some of which are decades old, and thus ensure the continuity of systems where no downtime is tolerated.

Depending on experience level and context, they may also be referred to as a COBOL analyst developer or analyst programmer, Mainframe analyst developer, or COBOL expert for the most senior profiles.

What does a COBOL developer do? What are their day-to-day tasks?

Their scope varies depending on whether they are working on a maintenance, migration, or new development project. However, their tasks always revolve around a few key areas.

Analysis and design

Before writing a single line of code, the developer first goes through an analysis phase: understanding functional requirements, reading specifications, and identifying existing system constraints. This is often where the quality of a delivery is won (or lost).

Development and maintenance

They write, modify, and optimize programs. Bug fixes, functional enhancements, legacy code refactoring: maintenance represents a significant portion of the work, especially on applications with millions of lines of code.

Integration with the rest of the information system

COBOL programs never operate in isolation. The developer integrates them with DB2 or IMS databases, manages batch processes via JCL, queries data via SQL, and sometimes interfaces with newer components in Java or via APIs.

Contribution to modernization projects

Many mainframe development assignments today include a transformation dimension: migration to hybrid architectures, partial rewriting, or interoperability with cloud systems. The COBOL developer is often at the heart of these projects.

Documentation and knowledge transfer

On these often very old systems, documentation is rarely up-to-date. Part of the work involves producing or correcting this documentation to transfer knowledge to the team. This is an underestimated aspect, but one that is crucial for the longevity of projects.

Who still uses COBOL?

The question comes up often, and the answer always surprises! Banks, insurance companies, pension funds, large government agencies: the COBOL has not disappeared from critical information systems, far from it! French and international financial institutions still run their payment, account management, and clearing processes on COBOL. It's not a matter of nostalgia; it's a matter of reliability for data volumes that few other technologies handle as well.

The Covid crisis brutally highlighted this in the United States: in 2020, the Governor of New Jersey issued an urgent public appeal for COBOL developers, as mainframe-based unemployment benefit systems were overwhelmed by applications. This episode reminded many that the language was vital.

Figures circulating within the industry give an idea of the scale: approximately 800 billion lines of COBOL code are still in production worldwide, and almost all credit card transactions still pass through this language, which appears to be definitively indispensable.

What skills are necessary to become a COBOL developer?

Mastering the COBOL language is obviously the starting point. But what distinguishes a good COBOL developer from an average one is an understanding of the entire technical ecosystem surrounding it.

Technical skills

Working with COBOL in a Mainframe environment requires familiarity with:

• JCL (Job Control Language) for managing batch processes
• DB2 for relational databases
• IMS for hierarchical databases
• Embedded SQL in COBOL programs
• Tools specific to the IBM mainframe environment: ISPF, SDSF, versioning tools like Endevor or ChangeMan

Knowledge of Java is an increasingly sought-after asset, especially for modernization projects where both technologies must coexist.

Cross-functional skills

Analytical skills are probably the most frequently cited competency by recruiters. Reading a 50,000-line program written thirty years ago, understanding its logic, identifying the impact of a modification: this requires true intellectual rigor. The ability to work in a team and communicate with non-technical stakeholders (project managers, business teams) is also required.

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How to become a COBOL developer?

There are no dedicated university programs for COBOL development in France. Most developers come from general IT training programs (BTS, professional bachelor's degrees, engineering schools) and then specialize.

Common access routes

Several organizations offer targeted COBOL training: in-company continuous training, modules provided by vendors like IBM, or courses offered by specialized mainframe IT organizations. IBM certification is recognized in the field and can make a difference on a junior COBOL developer's resume.

Is COBOL easy to learn?

COBOL's syntax is close to everyday English, making it quite readable for someone who has never encountered it. The real challenge isn't the language itself, it's the environment: taming z/OS, understanding batch logic, reading JCL, and navigating applications with millions of lines of code. It takes time, but it's entirely achievable with the right training and good guidance.

What is a COBOL developer's salary?

Many factors come into play (roles, industry, scope, company size, location, niche skills, etc.). For a more precise estimate, tailored to your profile and our projects, we invite you to consult our job offers.

Is the COBOL developer role still in demand?

Yes! And the trend isn't reversing! The shortage of qualified COBOL developers has even worsened in recent years, as professionals trained in the 1980s-1990s retire without being replaced in sufficient numbers.

Job openings for COBOL Developers, COBOL Programmer Analysts, or Mainframe COBOL Developers remain open for several weeks due to a lack of candidates. Companies looking to hire a COBOL developer are willing to offer attractive conditions to retain talent.

For a junior COBOL developer, this is a real window of opportunity: the demand is there, employers are keen to provide training, and salary progression can be rapid!

Why learn COBOL nowadays?

Several reasons justify training in COBOL today: firstly, job stability. COBOL applications won't disappear overnight: complete migrations cost millions of euros and take years. Companies need developers to maintain and evolve these systems for a long time to come.

Secondly, compensation, which is higher than the IT sector average for a comparable level of experience.

And a frequently overlooked reality: COBOL opens doors to high-impact projects, working with systems that process critical financial transactions or data for millions of policyholders. It may not be the most visible area of IT, but it's one of the most foundational.

The COBOL developer role is for you if...

You enjoy solving complex problems on systems that cannot tolerate errors. You find genuine satisfaction in understanding how a program written thirty years ago still works and in evolving it. You prefer depth over trends and don't feel the need to work on the latest technology to find your job interesting. You know that the rarity of your profile is an asset, and you want to make the most of it.

If this description sounds like you, the COBOL developer role is definitely worth considering!

Are you looking for a new opportunity? Check out our job openings on the IT Link Group website.

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