COBOL Experts in Dusseldorf
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Meet FRATCH Experts in Dusseldorf, who have recently used COBOL
Hans-Dieter Große-Kreul
Last position:
Training as an AI Expert
I continuously expand my expertise in AI and automation, working with ChatGPT, OpenAI, Manus, Gemini, MS CoPilot, API, LangChain, Hugging Face, Manus, TensorFlow and Auto-GPT as well as Python-based ML frameworks and MLOps tools to intelligently transform classic software development, analysis, and testing processes.
Alois Gruber
Last position:
Bank DZ Privatbank S.A.
- Various programming tasks as specified
- Work carried out from home office, meetings/tasks via email, phone and Microsoft Teams
- Version control via GIT
- Implementation with RDI, FreeSQL SQL
- Extension of automatic test environment creation as specified - adding automatic transfer of existing iSeries users and preparation as well as anonymization of test data
- Creation of trigger and service programs in SQLRPGLE, FreeRPG, ILE RPG and CLLE
- Development and implementation of the CallKredite project including additional extensions for other departments
- Conversion of RPG to Free-RPG and SQL as well as extension of existing modules as specified
- Migration to a new banking release
- Support for specialist segment / OIV
Jürgen Schoemaker
Last position:
IT Consultant / Analyst / Developer / Tester / Support at Automotive Manufacturer
- Analysis, software development/customization, and testing of various transaction and batch objects
- Conducting functional integration and regression tests on TEST and QA platforms under z/OS for later production implementation
- Hardware / Software / Tools: IBM MVS, z/OS, JES2/3, TSO-ISPF, JCL, DB2, SQL, SQL/PL, QMF, QMF for Workstations, SPUFI, FileAid, IMS-DB/DC, MFS, XPEDITER, COBOL, REXX, Windows 10, MS Office 365, MS Teams, batch job management via OPC, BETA92, RVS, BVB, ABL, DIALOGplus, PROBA, PRODPR (VW internal systems), JIRA, CONFLUENCE
Esmail Saberi
Last position:
Senior Load and Performance Tester at Deutsche Bahn (DB-Netz)
- Design, development, and execution of load and performance tests for the PRISMA project
- Use of Apache Jmeter, Gatling, Apache ActiveMQ, Jms/Tibco Ems, SikuliX, Jython, Amazon AWS, PAN-Client
- Methods: load tests, test automation
Dalia Cananau
Last position:
Oracle Developer at Freelance
- Design and implementation of an OCI-based data warehouse and ETL system to replace legacy mainframe applications
- Developed a database optimization strategy and planned the rapid conversion of JCL and COBOL routines to PL/SQL using AI
- Developed an Oracle Apex-based app for internal administrative processes in the public sector (office equipment, staff training)
- Implemented PL/SQL workflows for approval processes and created a responsive mobile version with JavaScript and CSS
- Used Azure DevOps for backlog management and documentation, and Git for version control
- Developed REST interfaces to CRM systems
- Replaced and reprogrammed Oracle Forms screens with Oracle Apex and updated to the latest Apex versions
- Designed a Git branching strategy and conducted code reviews
- Maintained and further developed an EDI-based data exchange system based on Oracle Advanced Queuing for the public sector in Austria
- Performed data analysis and created charts in the Oracle Apex frontend; installed standalone ORDS and Apex 23.1
- Worked agile using the Spotify model; developed complex Apex pages with support from Oracle JET
- Rebuilt and customized existing PL/SQL packages, created workarounds for database version differences, and optimized queries
- Developed Apex applications for broker pools to manage and optimize Oracle databases in the banking environment, including SSO-based authorization systems with OAuth2 and Keycloak
- Built extensive Oracle Apex applications for BI and data mining modernization projects and developed manual and automated projection methods in the frontend
- Carried out data warehousing projects in the banking sector and used Scrum and Kanban in team projects
Andreas Grutz
Last position:
Senior Fullstack .NET (Core) & Angular Developer at IT service provider
- Supported an agile team in the development of a new CRM tool
- Web frontend development (Angular 17 with MDB-Bootstrap, microfrontends, DDD)
- Backend development (C# & .NET 7-9, MongoDB, MassTransit, RabbitMQ, Elasticsearch, microservices, DDD)
- Coordination with stakeholders & product owners
- Assisted in sprint planning
Discover over 15,000 top freelancers
Statistics of experts using COBOL
Aggregated from the professional profiles of matched freelancers.
Experience
40 years (Germany: 31 years)
Position duration
2.3 years (Germany: 3.2 years)
Positions per freelancer
24 (Germany: 19)
Top business areas
Information Technology, Product Development, Business Intelligence
Top industries
Information Technology, Banking and Finance, Government and Administration
Certification focus areas
Information Technology, Human Resources, Business Intelligence
Bachelor's degree or higher
50% (Germany: 78%)
Master's degree or higher
50% (Germany: 49%)
Doctorate
25% (Germany: 8%)
Certifications per freelancer
1 (Germany: 3)
Most common languages
German, English, French
Speak two or more languages
83% (Germany: 95%)
Based on our profile pool as of 30 Aug 2026.
Daily rate distribution
The chart shows how the daily rates of freelancers in this technology in Dusseldorf are distributed, based on recent contracts on our platform. Each bar covers a rate range — its height shows how many freelancers charge within that range.
Average rates of experts in Dusseldorf using COBOL
Rates are based on recent contracts and do not include FRATCH margin.
The average daily rate is the mean of all daily rates from recent contracts of comparable freelancers on our platform.
The median daily rate is the middle value of all daily rates — half of comparable freelancers charge less, half charge more. Unlike the average, it is barely affected by outliers.
Calculated based on our freelancers’ daily rates as of 30 Aug 2026. Actual rates may vary depending on seniority level, experience, skill specialization, project complexity, and engagement length.
About the technology
What COBOL does
COBOL is still widely used for core business systems that need reliability, clear rules, and long-lived transactions. It appears in banking, insurance, public sector back offices, logistics, and other environments where mainframe workloads still carry critical data flows.
Typical work
- Maintain and extend existing COBOL applications
- Modernize batch jobs and reporting flows
- Update business rules in mainframe systems
- Connect COBOL logic to newer services and interfaces
- Support migrations without breaking core processing
Common stack
COBOL work often sits with IBM mainframe tools and surrounding services. Specialists may work with z/OS, JCL, CICS, DB2, VSAM, IMS, and file-based interfaces, plus source control and testing tools used in enterprise delivery.
When to bring in help
Companies usually bring in freelance COBOL experts when a legacy system needs urgent fixes, a release has risk, or internal knowledge has become thin. In Dusseldorf, this is common for organizations that run large operational systems and need experienced support without a long ramp-up.
What strong specialists deliver
A strong COBOL professional reads existing code quickly, traces batch and online flows, and documents business logic clearly. They work carefully with testing, change control, and production constraints, because small errors can affect critical data processing.
Modernization paths
COBOL does not always mean replacement. Many teams use it to stabilize core processing while they expose functions through APIs, reduce batch complexity, or move selected parts to newer layers in stages. That approach keeps essential systems running while change stays controlled.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about COBOL? Start with the answers below.
COBOL is used for business systems that process transactions, records, and batch work with strict reliability needs. It is common in banking, insurance, government, and logistics, especially where mainframe applications still hold core data and long-established rules.
COBOL is usually chosen for existing mainframe systems, while Java and .NET are more common for newer application layers. In many companies, the real question is not which is better in theory, but how to keep the core system stable while introducing newer services around it.
A strong COBOL specialist often knows JCL, CICS, DB2, VSAM, IMS, and mainframe operations basics. Skills in testing, job control, file handling, and reading old code are just as important as writing new logic.
A COBOL project needs someone who can work inside the existing structure without much guidance. If the work touches production batch jobs, financial data, or online transaction flows, you want a professional who has already handled similar systems and can trace issues quickly.
Yes, many COBOL tasks can be done remotely if secure access, documentation, and communication are in place. Some companies in Dusseldorf still prefer on-site or hybrid support for sensitive systems, especially during releases or production changes.
COBOL is the language, while mainframe work includes the platform, operating system, job control, transaction monitors, and data stores around it. A good freelancer understands both, because most real projects involve the surrounding environment as much as the code itself.
Look for clear explanations of old code, careful change handling, and practical testing habits. A strong COBOL professional can describe how they traced a batch flow, found a hidden dependency, and delivered a fix without disrupting production.
No. COBOL is often used for maintenance, but it also supports modernization, interface work, batch optimization, and system integration. Many teams hire specialists to improve stable core processing while keeping the existing application in service.
The average hourly rate of freelancers in Dusseldorf, Germany who have used COBOL in their recent projects is 90 €, which corresponds to a daily rate of about 722 € based on an 8-hour working day.
Of the freelancers in Dusseldorf, Germany who have used COBOL in their recent projects, 50% hold at least a Bachelor's degree, 50% hold at least a Master's degree, and 25% hold a doctorate.
On average, freelancers in Dusseldorf, Germany who have used COBOL in their recent projects have 40 years of professional experience, with a single engagement typically lasting around 2.3 years.
The most common languages among freelancers in Dusseldorf, Germany who have used COBOL in their recent projects are German (100%), English (83%), and French (17%).
The most common industries among freelancers in Dusseldorf, Germany who have used COBOL in their recent projects are Information Technology (100%), Banking and Finance (83%), and Government and Administration (83%).
The most common business areas among freelancers in Dusseldorf, Germany who have used COBOL in their recent projects are Information Technology (100%), Product Development (83%), and Business Intelligence (67%).
Main locations of FRATCH Experts, who have recently used COBOL
Our freelancers and interim experts are at home across the DACH region — available on-site in the major business hubs or fully remote. Choose a location to discover matched specialists, local market insights and up-to-date availability.
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Philipp Thomaschewski
FRATCH CEO
