Pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants Pay Data UK — 2024

Pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants roles in the UK earn a median of £17,453 per year, equivalent to £12.08 per hour as of 2024. This represents a 7.2% increase in annual pay compared to the previous year. Pay varies across the UK, ranging from £13,229 to £26,397 per year.

How Pay Varies Across the UK

Each bar shows how many areas of the UK have a median annual pay in that range for Pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants roles. The dashed line marks the national median.

Based on sub-regional area data. Want a precise figure for your area?

About Pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants

Pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants work under the supervision of pharmacists and opticians or optometrists to dispense drugs and medicines, issue pre-packaged prescriptions, sell over-the-counter medication, dispense spectacles and contact lenses and other related products.

Typical Tasks and Duties

• checks received prescriptions for legality and accuracy and confirms patients’ or customers’ details
• maintains records of prescriptions received and drugs issued
• checks stock levels, rotates stock, orders new stock from supplying companies and ensures that products are stored appropriately
• arranges displays of merchandise
• relays information to customers under the direction of pharmacist and opticians or optometrists
• carries out sales transaction, wraps and packages goods

Entry Routes and Qualifications

Entrants usually possess GCSEs/S grades. Training is typically received on-the-job, supplemented by study towards vocational qualifications. NVQs/ SVQs are available in relevant areas and at various levels, and apprenticeships may be available.

Related Occupations

Salary data is sourced from official UK pay datasets and updated periodically.