Average Pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants Salary in Rochdale
ONS ASHE 2025 · North West region · Updated October 2025
How Rochdale compares
The median pay for pharmacy and optical dispensing assistantss in the North West stood at £15,730 in 2025, placing them 12.6% below the UK-wide figure of £17,993. Factor in the North West's cost of living (8.8% below the UK norm) and a £15,730 salary has the purchasing power of approximately £17,248. Compared to the Rochdale average across all roles (£29,036), pharmacy and optical dispensing assistantss take home 45.8% less.
Cost of Living Adjustment
After adjusting for the regional cost of living (North West index: 91.2, UK=100), a salary of £15,730 has an effective purchasing power of approximately £17,248 — equivalent to earning that amount in an area with average UK costs. The cost of living in the North West is 8.8% below the UK average.
Pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants salary across UK regions
Pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants salary in areas near Rochdale
Salary data is by ONS region. Rochdale is in the North West region. Below are neighbouring regions — click to explore salaries there.
Pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants Salary Guide
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants salary in Rochdale?
The median pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants salary in the North West (which includes Rochdale) is £15,730 per year, based on ONS ASHE 2025 data. The mean salary is typically higher due to top earners pulling the average up.
How does pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants pay in Rochdale compare to the UK average?
Pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants in the North West earn 12.6% below the national median of £17,993. Other regions such as London and the South East typically offer higher salaries for this role.
Is pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants a well-paid job in Rochdale compared to other roles?
The average salary across all jobs in Rochdale is £29,036. Pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants in the North West earn £15,730, which is 45.8% below the local average across all occupations.
About this data
Salary figures for pharmacy and optical dispensing assistantss cover the North West region. The all-jobs average is specific to Rochdale. Source: ONS ASHE 2025. Methodology.