Operario

Operario is a job title used in Spanish-speaking countries to describe a worker who operates machinery or performs specific production tasks on a factory floor. It corresponds to English terms such as operator, shop-floor worker, or machinist, depending on the jurisdiction and the level of technical complexity.

Duties typically include starting and stopping equipment, feeding materials, monitoring process parameters, conducting basic quality checks, recording data, and performing routine maintenance or minor repairs. Operarios collaborate with technicians and supervisors to meet production targets while adhering to safety regulations. In some industries, the role may require operating automated systems, handling tools, or performing assembly tasks.

Training is usually through vocational programs, apprenticeships, or on-the-job learning. Employers may require certificates in equipment operation, forklift or crane licenses, and basic safety training. In high-automation settings, operarios may receive training in PLCs, robotics, and digital monitoring systems. Career progression can lead to more specialized operator roles, team leadership, or technical support positions.

In many countries, operario is a gender-neutral term in practice, though the feminine form operaria is common in Spanish. The term can denote different levels of responsibility, from general line workers to specialized operators on complex machinery. The labor market often uses classification by shift, line, or product, and unions may negotiate wages, benefits, and working conditions for operarios.

See also: Operator, Factory worker, Machinist.