Reminder: The only way to apply for a job at Southwest Airlines® is through this site. Fees don’t fly here -- we will never ask for any form of payment for your application or training.*

*Destination 225° is a program of Southwest Airlines and there is no cost to apply; however, candidates advancing through the selection process will be responsible for all costs incurred. Read more.

La única forma de solicitar un trabajo en Southwest Airlines es a través de este sitio web. Las tarifas no vuelan aquí: nunca solicitaremos ninguna forma de pago para su solicitud o capacitación*

*Destination 225° es un programa de Southwest Airlines y no hay costo para aplicar; sin embargo, los candidatos que avancen a través del proceso de selección serán responsables de todos los costos incurridos. Lee mas.
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Image of a ramp agent wing walking an airplane at night in the show. Submit your information for Chicago Ramp Agent Jobs at Southwest.

Chicago Ramp Agent Jobs 

Our Heart starts with our People.

Our Ramp Agents are true Southwest Warriors. They direct planes on the ground, handle cargo/baggage, and ensure our ground operations run smoothly. We wouldn’t operate without our Ramp Agents—their hard work and guidance are critical to our success at Southwest.  


Starting pay of $15/hour

  • Starting base pay rate of $15/hour plus a station allowance of up to $4,050 stipend in the first year.*

Benefits you'll love:

  • Opportunities for overtime and shift pick-ups (Overtime pay is computed solely on base pay rate)

  • Fly for free on any open seat on all Southwest® flights (your eligible dependents fly, too)
  • Up to a 9.3% 401(k) Company match, dollar for dollar, per paycheck**
  • An annual ProfitSharing contribution toward retirement—when we profit, you profit***
  • Competitive health insurance for you and your family
  • Opportunity to get 10% off Southwest Airlines common stock


Wanna work outdoors and get your fitness in at the "office”? Let us know how to reach you and we’ll keep you updated on the latest job opportunities.
Stay updated on jobs

Our Purpose and Vision

From our very beginning, Southwest Airlines has been a maverick in the airline and customer service industries. We set ourselves apart as the airline with Heart by connecting our Customers to the moments that matter.
Southwest Airplane on a tarmac at sunrise.

There’s snow place like Chicago.

A day in the life of a Ramp Agent with Tim, a Ramp Agent Supervisor.
Wide shot of ramp agents deicing a Southwest airplane in the snow from a crane.

“I started my career as a Ramp Agent nearly 30 years ago. I’ve always loved the airline industry and knew being on the ground would give me the invaluable experience I needed to grow—it did that and so much more.”
Headshot of VP of Ground Operations, Chris Johnson in front of a grey background. Chris started as a Ramp Agent in Detroit.

Chris Johnson
Vice President Ground Operations

Why Southwest Airlines?

Portrait of female ramp agent smiling and standing in front of a full baggage cart.
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion
We are committed to a work environment where everyone can be themselves and be recognized for the unique perspectives they each bring forward. Diversity, equity, and inclusion aren’t just buzzwords–they’re woven into the way we run our business, and they’re reflected in our world-famous Culture.
Read about our diversity initiatives
Image of two ramp agents laughing in a cargo bin.
Culture
Our Culture is integral to all aspects of our business and our Employees’ lives from the way Employees treat each other to the way that our Company puts our Employees first. Three vital elements of our Culture are appreciation, recognition, and celebration.​​​​​​​
Explore our Culture
Group photo of 19 Ramp Agents and veterans at Dallas Love Field.
Military
In addition to the Ramp Agents photographed above, we are proud to have more than 7,400 veterans and 1,500 military spouses in our Southwest Family. Our colors may be red, yellow, and blue, but our support is for the red, white, and blue.
Learn about our military programs
Image of female ramp agent stacking bags inside the belly of an airplane.
Benefits
More than just a paycheck, a career at Southwest Airlines comes with several benefits, from our legendary Culture to travel privileges for Employees and their eligible dependents.
See our benefits

Where you come in
For starters
 
  • Must be at least 18 years old at the time of application
  • ​​​​​​​Must have authorization to work in the United States as defined by the Immigration Reform Act of 1986
  • Must be able to work various shifts and/or overtime​​​​​​​
 
Let’s get physical
  • Must be able to routinely lift and move items weighing 70 pounds or more and repetitively lift weights of 40 to 50 pounds on raised surfaces
  • Must be able to climb, bend, kneel, crawl, and stoop frequently and for extended periods
  • Must be able to work in cramped or high places
Education & Qualifications
  • High school diploma or GED required
  • Must have a valid state motor vehicle operator’s license
  • Must be able to pass all required background clearances
  • ​​​​​​​Must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by start date to comply with Executive Order 14042, which requires employees of federal contractors to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

FAQ

Click each question below to learn more about what it's like to be a Ramp Agent.

How to apply

If you see an open Ramp Agent position posted, you can apply on careers.southwestair.com. If there are no open Ramp Agent positions posted, that means we are not interviewing for that job at this time.

You can only apply for a job at Southwest Airlines through this site. Fees don't fly here—we’ll never ask for a form of payment for your application or training.

Chicago
​​​​​​​Ramp Agent Jobs
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*Station allowance stipend is subject to review, change, or discontinue at the Company's discretion at any time. 
**401(k) match contributions are subject to the plan’s vesting schedule.
***ProfitSharing contributions are subject to the plan’s vesting schedule and are made at the discretion of the Company.