Company Logo
Company Logo

Denver Ramp Agent Jobs

Our Heart starts with our People.

Our Ramp Agents ensure Ground Operations run smoothly and safely by supporting various roles “below the wing,” including directing planes on the ground and transporting baggage, cargo, and other flight essentials in the outdoor elements. Ramp Agents are also problem solvers who enjoy working collaboratively with other Ground Operations Teams to meet flight departure timelines.

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.
Join our Talent Community
*The 401 (k) Company match contribution is subject to the plan's vesting schedule and applicable IRS limits and match may vary based on the position.
**Profit-sharing contributions are subject to the plan's vesting schedule and are made at the discretion of the Company.


When temperatures drop, our Ramp Agents are there to deice your plane. Go behind the scenes on a cold day in Denver with Ramp Agents Stephen H. and Tate W
There's snow place like Denver.
When temperatures drop, our Ramp Agents are there to deice your plane. Go behind the scenes on a cold day in Denver with Ramp Agents Stephen H. and Tate W.
Southwest Ramp Agent marshalling in a plane in the snow

Requirements for the Ramp

Southwest Ramp Agent loading bags onto a plane
Physical requirements
  • 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
Southwest ramp agent unloading bags from a plane
Age and legal requirements
  • 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
Southwest Ramp Agent marshalling in a plane
Education and qualifications
  • Must have a valid state motor vehicle operator’s license
  • Must be able to pass all required background clearances
Our Ramp Agents work in the outdoor elements to direct planes on the ground, handle cargo/baggage, and ensure our ground operations run smoothly. Go behind the scenes and learn what it takes to “turn” a plane on the ramp in Denver with Frankie N.
Loading...
Our Ramp Agents work in the outdoor elements to direct planes on the ground, handle cargo/baggage, and ensure our Ground Operations run smoothly. Go behind the scenes and learn what it takes to “turn” a plane on the ramp in Denver with Frankie N.
Chris Johnson, Vice President Ground Operations

“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

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.

Why Southwest Airlines?

ramp agent loading bags
Inclusion & Belonging
No matter where you're flying from or what area of Southwest interests you, we're connecting you to what matters most. By fostering a Culture of Belonging that cares for and embraces all, we recognize that every experience, perspective, and background makes an incredible impact on our Company. 
Read about our Inclusion & Belonging 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're proud to have more than 9,600 veterans and 1,600 military spouses on our Southwest Team. Our colors may be red, yellow, and blue, but our support is for the red, white, and blue.
*As of August 2025
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

Questions we get a lot.

Click each question below to learn more about what it's like to be a Southwest Ramp Agent.
Schedules and requests for certain shifts are dependent on seniority (how long you’ve been in your position). New Hire Ramp Agents must put in time and hard work before they can build their own schedule. Schedules can and will change, especially due to Irregular Operations (IROPS) which can require mandatory overtime. After the training period, you can pick up more shifts as specified in the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
It’s five weeks and includes a combination of in-classroom and on the job training. First, you’ll complete federal training before learning on-the-job skills— both in a classroom and shadowing a training agent. The on-the-job training phase lasts about three weeks.
As of January 3, 2024, we offer up to 322 departures a day to 96 cities.
You might work 4-6 flights per shift depending on the day and season.
Parking costs vary depending on the airport. Most airports have designated Employee parking with shuttles that drop you off at the airport from the parking lot. Some Southwest Employees commute using public transportation.
Overtime varies based on specifics in the Collective Bargaining Agreement. We have both voluntary and mandatory overtime, paid at twice the hourly rate.
Once you’ve applied for an open position, we’ll contact you to complete a screening form to confirm you meet all the requirements for the role. If you meet the requirements, we’ll schedule a virtual panel interview with a Recruiter within two (2) weeks of completing your screening form. If selected, you’ll receive a contingent job offer within two (2) days of your virtual interview.

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.

Back to top
Southwest Airlines Logo

Southwest Airlines is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). We're committed to fair hiring practices and to making employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, military or veteran status, disability, genetic information, or other legally protected characteristics. To learn more, read our EOE statement.
​​​​​
Wanna get assistance?
If you have difficulty using our online careers site or participating in the hiring process due to a disability and require accommodations, please email Accommodations.Team@wnco.com. Please use "Accommodation Request" as the subject line of your email.

Wanna see more resources?
We’re an open book. Check out our Privacy Policy and our Terms and Conditions.
Know your rights. Workplace discrimination is illegal. (EN/ES). 
Southwest participates in E-Verify (where required). Learn more about it. (EN/ES). 
You have a right to work. View your right to work. (EN/ES).

follow us

© 2026 Southwest Airlines® Co. All Rights Reserved. Use of the Southwest® websites and our Company Information
4fc9b84ba9d44745b3593753a12245b1