Airline Ramp Agent Job Description & Salary Information
Job Duties
As a ramp agent, the safety of the aircraft is in your hands. Ensuring that the plane is properly secured, checking and loading luggage and mail into the plane, and guiding it into the proper terminal are all part of a ramp agent’s job. The position requires the ramp agent to assume responsibility for the safety of the crew and passengers. Their job is to make sure the plane is ready to take off and that all luggage ends up on the proper aircraft and operating any of the machinery necessary to accomplish the various tasks assigned to a ramp agent. Some extra duties include cleaning the aircraft, directing it to and from the gates, and operating the ground equipment necessary to secure, load, and unload the plane.
Job Qualifications
This entry level position only requires the applicant to be 18 years old and have a high school diploma, although a two year degree is a definite advantage. Experience may be helpful but is not required. Uniforms may be required, but policy is dependent on the particular airline.
Salary & Compensation
The average starting hourly wage for an airline ramp agent ranges from $8.00 to $11.00 per hour. On average, a ramp agent earns about $12.00 an hour. Experienced ramp agents may earn over $18.00 per hour. Pay rates for a ramp agent depend on the airline, location, and level of experience. Airline ramp agents may also be eligible for employee benefits, such as healthcare coverage, air travel perks, and 401(k) retirement plans.
