Pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants Salary Guide UK — 2025
Complete breakdown based on ONS ASHE official data
The median pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants salary in the UK is £17,993 per year, based on the 2025 Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) published by the Office for National Statistics. The mean salary is £17,724, reflecting the influence of higher earners on the average. The median hourly rate is £12.59.
Salaries vary significantly by region, from £15,730 in North West to £20,569 in South West. However, these differences narrow when adjusted for regional cost of living.
UK Median
£17,993
Annual
UK Mean
£17,724
Annual
Hourly Rate
£12.59
Median
UK Jobs
47
Regional Salary Breakdown
The "Adjusted" column shows purchasing power after accounting for regional cost of living (UK average = 100).
| Region | Median | Mean | CoL Adjusted |
|---|---|---|---|
| South West | £20,569 | £20,002 | £21,404 |
| South East | £20,207 | £19,225 | £19,580 |
| East Midlands | £20,077 | £18,769 | £21,870 |
| East | £18,278 | £18,363 | £18,785 |
| North East | £17,573 | £15,958 | £19,504 |
| West Midlands | £16,341 | £16,929 | £17,859 |
| North West | £15,730 | £17,932 | £17,248 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants salary in the UK?
The median pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants salary in the UK is £17,993 per year (ONS ASHE 2025). The mean salary is £17,724, which is higher due to top earners.
Which region pays pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants the most?
South West pays the highest pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants salaries with a median of £20,569.
How does pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants pay vary by region?
Pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants salaries range from £15,730 in North West to £20,569 in South West.
Are pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants salaries rising?
Year-on-year comparison data is not yet available.
What is the typical hourly rate for pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants?
The median hourly rate for pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants in the UK is £12.59 (ONS ASHE 2025).
About this data
All salary figures in this guide are from the ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) 2025. Cost-of-living adjustments use ONS Regional Price Parities. Read our methodology. View data sources.