COBOL, short for Common Business-Oriented Language, remains a critical technology in sectors like banking, insurance, and government. Despite its age, COBOL is far from obsolete—and COBOL developers in 2025 are enjoying competitive salaries due to a unique mix of demand and scarcity.
In this article, we’ll explore the average COBOL developer salary in 2025, the key factors influencing income, salary differences by experience, and the impact of education or certification. We’ll also discuss the job outlook and benefits of pursuing a career in COBOL development.
💼 What Is the Average COBOL Developer Salary in 2025?
In 2025, the average COBOL developer salary in the United States is approximately $103,000 per year, according to industry reports and hiring platforms. Here’s a breakdown:
Entry-Level (0–2 years): $70,000 – $85,000
Mid-Level (3–7 years): $90,000 – $110,000
Senior-Level (8+ years): $115,000 – $140,000
Lead or Architect Roles: $140,000 – $160,000+
The wide range is due to several influencing factors, which we’ll cover next.
📊 Factors That Influence COBOL Developer Salaries
Several variables can significantly affect a COBOL developer’s compensation:
Experience: The more years you’ve spent working on legacy systems, the more valuable you are.
Industry: Finance, banking, and government agencies tend to offer the highest salaries for COBOL skills.
Location: Urban centers or tech-heavy markets like New York, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. often pay higher than smaller towns.
Certifications & Education: COBOL-specific training or broader IT certifications (like PMP, AWS, or IBM Mainframe certs) can boost salary potential.
Job Role: Developers in leadership roles (e.g., senior lead navigator, technical architect) often command higher salaries and bonuses.
Scarcity of Talent: The shrinking pool of COBOL developers due to retirement increases demand, hence higher wages.
📈 Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Annual Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level | $70,000 – $85,000 |
| Mid-Level | $90,000 – $110,000 |
| Senior | $115,000 – $140,000 |
| Lead/Architect | $140,000 – $160,000+ |
💰 Take-Home Pay on a $103K Salary
A COBOL developer earning $103,000 annually can expect the following after standard deductions (assuming single filer in the U.S.):
Federal + State Taxes: Approx. 20–25% combined
Take-Home Salary: ~$77,000 to $82,000 annually
Monthly Net Pay: ~$6,400 to $6,800
This figure varies based on location, benefits, and 401(k) contributions.
🌟 Benefits of Being a COBOL Developer
High Demand, Low Competition: Few new developers learn COBOL, which increases job security.
Remote Opportunities: Many companies offer hybrid or fully remote roles for legacy support.
Lucrative Contracts: Freelance COBOL developers or consultants can charge $80–$150/hour.
Stable Industries: Most COBOL jobs are in sectors known for long-term stability.
📚 Certifications and Education That Boost Salary
While a formal computer science degree helps, many COBOL developers enter the field via:
Associate Degrees in IT or Programming
COBOL Programming Bootcamps
Certifications like:
IBM Certified System Programmer
Micro Focus COBOL Certifications
Mainframe Modernization Courses
Adding project management or cloud certifications can also improve earning potential.
🔮 Job Outlook for COBOL Developers in 2025 and Beyond
Despite being a legacy language, COBOL’s job market is still thriving:
80% of in-person banking transactions still rely on COBOL-based systems.
Government systems (e.g., Social Security, IRS) depend heavily on COBOL.
Retirement of senior developers is opening up opportunities for younger professionals.
While modernization efforts exist, full replacement is costly—meaning COBOL developers will continue to be in demand for at least another decade.
🧭 Should You Become a COBOL Developer?
If you’re looking for a high-paying, low-competition tech job with longevity and specialization, COBOL could be the perfect niche. It’s especially suited for professionals willing to work with mainframe systems or those pivoting from general software engineering to a specialized, high-ROI career path.
Conclusion
In 2025, COBOL developers are well-compensated, in-demand, and vital to major industries. Whether you’re a seasoned IT professional or an aspiring programmer looking for a stable and lucrative path, COBOL offers strong opportunities, competitive salaries, and a secure future.