Asalariado

Asalariado is a term used in Spanish to describe a person who works for an employer in exchange for a fixed salary or wage. As a noun, it can be used as “el asalariado,” and as an adjective it appears in expressions such as “empleado asalariado.” It contrasts with workers who are self-employed or who provide services as autonomous individuals, such as “autónomos” or “trabajadores por cuenta propia.” The word derives from the verb “asalariar,” related to “salario,” and ultimately traces back to Latin origins connected with wage payments.

In practical terms, being asalariado typically implies an employment relationship governed by a contract, with payroll processing, social security contributions, and access to labor protections and benefits provided by the employer and the legal framework. This status usually entails certain obligations for both parties, such as fixed working hours, payment schedules, and rules on vacations, overtime, and disciplinary measures. Compared with autonomous workers, asalariados often enjoy greater job security and benefits, though protections and specific rights vary across countries and regulatory regimes.

Historically, wage labor has been a central feature of capitalist economies, shaping labor relations, social policies, and economic statistics. Today, the category of asalariado remains a key delineation in labor markets, often used in discussions of job security, welfare entitlements, and the distribution of work and compensation between employees and independent workers. Differences in national law and context influence how the concept is defined and applied.