**Profit-sharing contributions are subject to the plan's vesting schedule and are made at the discretion of the Company.
Our Heart starts with our People.
Our benefits aren’t playing around:
- Starting pay of $20.72/hour with opportunities for overtime and shift pick-ups.
- Fly for free on any open seat on all Southwest® flights (your eligible dependents fly, too).
- Retirement Savings Plan includes up to a 10% 401(k) Company match contribution, dollar-for-dollar, per paycheck.*
- An annual profit-sharing contribution toward retirement—when we profit, you profit.*
- Competitive health insurance for you and your family that starts when you start, on day one.
- Opportunity to get 10% off Southwest Airlines® common stock.
- Ground Ops Employees receive 100% parking cost coverage from Southwest when using designated Employee parking locations.
**Profit-sharing contributions are subject to the plan's vesting schedule and are made at the discretion of the Company.

Requirements for the Ramp
- 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
- 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
- Must have a valid state motor vehicle operator’s license
- Must be able to pass all required background clearances
“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.”
- Chris Johnson,
Vice President Ground Operations
How to apply
Why Southwest Airlines?



*As of August 2025

Questions we get a lot.
All Employees at Southwest Airlines must pass a comprehensive Employment Screening Process, which can include but is not limited to employment history and education verification, a driving record review, criminal background check, and drug test.
We strive to offer many different opportunities for individuals at all stages of their career growth since we acknowledge there's no single flight path to achieve your dreams. Southwest is proud to have been recognized as the top airline and one of the top 100 ranked companies in the hiring and culture categories of the American Opportunity Index. The Index measures companies' effectiveness in developing talent to drive business performance and advance individual employees' careers. We empower you to create your own career; one that fits the goals—and lifestyle—you want by leveraging available resources to achieve your career aspirations.