*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.
Nashville 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:
Wanna work outdoors and get your fitness in at the "office”? Join our Talent Community and we’ll keep you updated on the latest job opportunities.
Our benefits aren’t playing around:
Starting pay of $19.45/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 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.
Wanna work outdoors and get your fitness in at the "office”? Join our Talent Community and we’ll keep you updated on the latest job opportunities.

A day in the life.
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.
Requirements for the Ramp
Requirements for the Ramp
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
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
Education and Qualifications
- Must have a valid state motor vehicle operator’s license
- Must be able to pass all required background clearances
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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.
“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're 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?
Why Southwest Airlines?

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.

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.

Military
In addition to the Ramp Agents photographed above, we're proud to have more than 9,800 veterans and 1,800 military spouses in our Southwest Family. Our colors may be red, yellow, and blue, but our support is for the red, white, and blue.

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.
Questions we get a lot.
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 bidding are dependent on relative seniority. New Hire Ramp Agents must put in time and hard work to get to the point where they can adjust their schedule to meet their needs. Schedules can and will change, especially due to Irregular Operations (IROPS) which can call for mandatory overtime. However, after the training period you can pick up more shifts as specified in the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Training is approximately five weeks and a combination of in the classroom and on-the-job. First, you’ll complete federal training before on-the-job training 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 165 departures a day to 62 cities.
Parking costs vary depending on location. Most airports have designated Employee parking with shuttles that drop you off at the airport from the parking lot. Some Southwest Employees choose to commute via public transportation to the airport.
You may work 4-6 flights per shift depending on the day and season.
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, driving record review, criminal background review, 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.