Average Pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants Salary in Sunderland
ONS ASHE 2025 · North East region · Updated October 2025
How Sunderland compares
If you're a pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants in the North East, the typical salary in 2025 was £17,573. That's 2.3% below what pharmacy and optical dispensing assistantss earn nationally (£17,993). Factor in the North East's cost of living (9.9% below the UK norm) and a £17,573 salary has the purchasing power of approximately £19,504. To put this alongside local pay more broadly: the average across all jobs in Sunderland is £28,214, so pharmacy and optical dispensing assistantss sit 37.7% less that benchmark.
Cost of Living Adjustment
After adjusting for the regional cost of living (North East index: 90.1, UK=100), a salary of £17,573 has an effective purchasing power of approximately £19,504 — equivalent to earning that amount in an area with average UK costs. The cost of living in the North East is 9.9% below the UK average.
Pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants salary across UK regions
Pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants salary in areas near Sunderland
Salary data is by ONS region. Sunderland is in the North East region. Below are neighbouring regions — click to explore salaries there.
Pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants Salary Guide
The full salary guide includes regional breakdowns, cost-of-living adjustments, year-on-year trends, and in-depth FAQs.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants salary in Sunderland?
The median pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants salary in the North East (which includes Sunderland) is £17,573 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 Sunderland compare to the UK average?
Pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants in the North East earn 2.3% 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 Sunderland compared to other roles?
The average salary across all jobs in Sunderland is £28,214. Pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants in the North East earn £17,573, which is 37.7% below the local average across all occupations.
About this data
Salary figures for pharmacy and optical dispensing assistantss cover the North East region. The all-jobs average is specific to Sunderland. Source: ONS ASHE 2025. Methodology.