Washington, D.C./Baltimore 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 $17/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).
  • 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 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.

*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. 




Wide shot of ramp agents deicing a Southwest airplane in the snow from a crane.
There's snow place like Southwest.
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.

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.

“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.

Questions we get a lot.

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