What Do Cobol Programmers Do?
Wondering what the job is really like for cobol programmers?
You've come to the right place.
Keep reading to find detailed information about what cobol programmers do, including the type of work they are tasked with on a daily basis, industries in which they work, and the specific skills needed for a successful career.
Cobol Programmers Overview & Description
Let's get started with the basics about cobol programmers by taking a look at a simple description and popular job titles.
Cobol Programmers create, modify, and test the code and scripts that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software and web developers or other individuals. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.
Popular Job Titles For Cobol Programmers
Sample of Reported Job Titles
- Programmer Analysts
- Program Analysts
- Programmers
- Statistical Programmers
- Systems Programmers
- SAS Programmers
- Computer Programmers
- SAS Developers
- Business Analysts/Programmers
- Software Programmers
- Management and Program Analysts
- GIS Program Managers
Read on for insight into the industries where the highest concentration of jobs for cobol programmers can be found.
Best Industries for Cobol Programmers
Cobol Programmers Jobs By Industry
- Computer Systems Design and Related Services: 33.3%
- Education and Hospitals (State Government): 6.5%
- Software Publishers: 5.5%
- State Government, Excluding Education and Hospitals: 4.7%
- Scientific Research and Development Services: 3.9%
- Management of Companies and Enterprises: 3.7%
- Other: 42.4%
When it comes to jobs in the United States, the largest single category of cobol programmers can be found working in the Computer Systems Design and Related Services sector. In 2023, about 33.3% of all jobs for cobol programmers were found there.
Other top industries by percentage include Education and Hospitals (State Government) (6.5%), Software Publishers (5.5%), State Government, Excluding Education and Hospitals (4.7%), Scientific Research and Development Services (3.9%) and Management of Companies and Enterprises (3.7%).
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Degree Options for Cobol Programmers
Learn to translate business requirements into robust yet functional software applications and database designs to help businesses not only run but thrive, and jump start your career as a user support specialist, computer system analyst, or software developer.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Equip yourself for a role as an IT, network or help desk specialist with fundamental technology skills, including medium-scale network administration, small website and application development, and database design and querying.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Design, implement and manage cloud solutions with Franklin’s online, transfer-friendly B.S. Cloud Computing.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Go beyond basic programming and develop the technical skills necessary to apply, design, and implement software systems.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Bridge the gap between business and technology and develop the interpersonal skills to become an IT liaison in your organization.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Harness the power of data by creating data-driven strategies and communicating data insights with a B.S. Information Systems-Analytics Focus.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Develop your ability to lead, communicate and make strategic decisions that impact projects and processes with a B.S. Information Systems-Business Analysis & Project Management Focus
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Build technical savvy and business acumen that bridges the gap between business and technology with a B.S. Information Systems with a Business Information Systems focus.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Get the knowledge to manage healthcare data, navigate regulations and inform ethical decision-making with a B.S. Information Systems-Healthcare Information Systems Focus
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Play a vital role in any business environment by designing and implementing mission-critical infrastructure, security, and servers.
- Class Type: 100% online
- Cost Per Credit: $398
Develop the advanced technical skills needed to turn complex programming specifications into well-designed computer programs.
- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Deliver high-quality software that helps companies and organizations maintain data security and integrity with Franklin’s 20-month online M.S. in Computer Science with a focus in Cybersecurity.
- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Months To Complete: 20
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Learn to create scalable software systems that Improve organizational effectiveness and efficiency by earning Franklin’s 20-month online M.S. in Computer Science with a focus in Software Systems. The hands-on, theory-to-practice program will prepare you to be an asset in a variety of industries
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Earn your M.S. in Information Technology degree 100% online in as few as 16 months.
- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Months To Complete: 16
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Earn your M.S. in Information Technology degree with a focus in Data Analytics 100% online in as few as 16 months.
- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Months To Complete: 16
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Earn your M.S. in Information Technology degree with a focus in Healthcare 100% online in as few as 16 months.
- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Months To Complete: 16
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Earn your M.S. in Information Technology degree with a focus in IT Management 100% online in as few as 16 months.
- Class Type: Face-to-face, Online coursework
- Months To Complete: 16
- Placement Tests: GMAT/GRE not required for admission
Certificates & Microcredentials for Cobol Programmers
Start your cloud computing journey with AWS certificate courses for beginners and keep up with the fast pace of innovation.
- Class Type: 100% Online
- Time To Complete: 1-2 months
- Cost: $35/month
This DeepLearning AI certificate course lets you dive into the cutting-edge world of AI specialization, machine learning and data-driven solutions.
- Class Type: 100% Online
- Time To Complete: 4-5 months
- Cost: $35/month
In-demand programmers know Git. You can, too, with GitHub certificate courses that put you among the ranks of other Git certification-ready development pros.
- Class Type: 100% Online
- Time To Complete: 3-4 months
- Cost: $35/month
Fast track your IT career with the Google IT support training and certificate that helps you learn about network protocols, operating systems, and solving problems using code.
- Class Type: 100% Online
- Time To Complete: 4-5 months
- Cost: $35/month
Put your creativity to work with these Google UX design courses that equip you to build and test user-centered solutions and to use Google Analytics to improve usability.
- Class Type: 100% Online
- Time To Complete: 4-5 months
- Cost: $35/month
Develop practical skills in Python and IBM applied AI thanks to deep learning courses that show you how to design, build and deploy AI-powered apps.
- Class Type: 100% Online
- Time To Complete: 4-5 months
- Cost: $35/month
Build your cloud developer portfolio with this hands-on IBM full stack cloud developer certificate course that uses the latest tools and technologies to manage full stack cloud native apps.
- Class Type: 100% Online
- Time To Complete: 5-6 months
- Cost: $35/month
- Class Type: 100% Online
- Time To Complete: 1-2 months
- Cost: $35/month
What Do Cobol Programmers Do on a Daily Basis?
So you have a high-level understanding of what cobol programmers do and the types of industries in which they work - but what do they really do each day?
A great way to understand the type of work cobol programmers do is to examine actual job postings and focus on the specific skills that employers are seeking. That will help paint a clearer picture of the tasks that cobol programmers tackle each day.
Continue reading for a breakdown of specialized skills found in job postings for cobol programmers, as well as common skills - interpersonal qualities and attributes - that can help you thrive in the workplace.
In-Demand Skills for Today's Cobol Programmers
Based on 33,950 job postings
Top 5 Specialized Skills for Cobol Programmers
| Skills | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | 9,630 | 28% |
| SQL (Programming Language) | 8,539 | 25% |
| Project Management | 5,452 | 16% |
| Debugging | 4,407 | 13% |
| Python (Programming Language) | 4,390 | 13% |
Top 5 Common Skills for Cobol Programmers
| Skills | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Communication | 12,560 | 37% |
| Management | 8,681 | 26% |
| Troubleshooting (Problem Solving) | 6,884 | 20% |
| Problem Solving | 6,520 | 19% |
| Writing | 6,334 | 19% |
Based on 33,950 job postings related to cobol programmers, computer science was the top specialized skill sought by employers, with 28% of all postings looking for that skillset. Skills for sql (programming language), project management, debugging, python (programming language) and sas (software) were also highly sought.
As for common skills, communication was the most desired skill found in job postings for cobol programmers, followed by management, troubleshooting (problem solving), problem solving, writing and operations.
| Skill | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Science | 9,630 | 28% |
| SQL (Programming Language) | 8,539 | 25% |
| Project Management | 5,452 | 16% |
| Debugging | 4,407 | 13% |
| Python (Programming Language) | 4,390 | 13% |
| SAS (Software) | 4,300 | 13% |
| JavaScript (Programming Language) | 4,086 | 12% |
| Java (Programming Language) | 3,797 | 11% |
| C# (Programming Language) | 3,679 | 11% |
| Data Analysis | 3,513 | 10% |
| Software Development | 3,500 | 10% |
| Automation | 3,096 | 9% |
| Programming Languages | 2,995 | 9% |
| Statistics | 2,956 | 9% |
| Agile Methodology | 2,948 | 9% |
| Workflow Management | 2,829 | 8% |
| Information Systems | 2,711 | 8% |
| C++ (Programming Language) | 2,673 | 8% |
| Application Programming Interface (API) | 2,667 | 8% |
| HyperText Markup Language (HTML) | 2,556 | 8% |
| Skill | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Communication | 12,560 | 37% |
| Management | 8,681 | 26% |
| Troubleshooting (Problem Solving) | 6,884 | 20% |
| Problem Solving | 6,520 | 19% |
| Writing | 6,334 | 19% |
| Operations | 6,078 | 18% |
| Research | 5,795 | 17% |
| Planning | 5,392 | 16% |
| Detail Oriented | 4,569 | 13% |
| Leadership | 4,473 | 13% |
| Microsoft Excel | 3,936 | 12% |
| Mathematics | 3,733 | 11% |
| Information Technology | 3,703 | 11% |
| Customer Service | 3,606 | 11% |
| Microsoft Office | 3,507 | 10% |
| Verbal Communication Skills | 3,365 | 10% |
| Coordinating | 3,122 | 9% |
| Self-Motivation | 3,062 | 9% |
| Interpersonal Communications | 2,835 | 8% |
| Presentations | 2,673 | 8% |
Most In-Demand Jobs for Cobol Programmers
Top 5 Posted Job Titles
| Job Title | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Programmer Analysts | 11,255 | 30.5% |
| Program Analysts | 4,595 | 12.5% |
| Programmers | 5,754 | 15.6% |
| Statistical Programmers | 2,552 | 6.9% |
| Systems Programmers | 1,309 | 3.5% |
According to job postings that were published between September 2022 and August 2023, the top job sought by employers was programmer analysts, with 4,999 unique job postings. Program analysts were second, with 1,990 postings, followed by programmers, statistical programmers and systems programmers.
Expand the section below to see unique job postings for all occupations related to cobol programmers.
| Job Title | Postings | % of Total Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Programmer Analysts | 11,255 | 30.5% |
| Program Analysts | 4,595 | 12.5% |
| Programmers | 5,754 | 15.6% |
| Statistical Programmers | 2,552 | 6.9% |
| Systems Programmers | 1,309 | 3.5% |
| SAS Programmers | 949 | 2.6% |
| Computer Programmers | 1,256 | 3.4% |
| SAS Developers | 723 | 2% |
| Business Analysts/Programmers | 899 | 2.4% |
| Software Programmers | 728 | 2% |
| Management and Program Analysts | 709 | 1.9% |
| GIS Program Managers | 1,254 | 3.4% |
| RPG Programmers | 504 | 1.4% |
| Scientific Programmers | 593 | 1.6% |
| IT Programmer Analysts | 779 | 2.1% |
| Programmers/Developers | 462 | 1.3% |
| Automation Programmers | 1,048 | 2.8% |
| Robot Programmers | 695 | 1.9% |
| Scientific Program Analysts | 391 | 1.1% |
| Cobol Programmers | 429 | 1.2% |
Additional Links
Ready to dig deeper into career information for cobol programmers? Visit our other pages focused on salary and education for cobol programmers.
How much do cobol programmers make?
Cobol Programmers: How do you become one?
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