Hairdressers and barbers vs Pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants Salary (2025)

How do Hairdressers and barbers and Pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants salaries compare in the UK? Here is a detailed side-by-side breakdown.

Pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants earns £3,559 more per year (23% higher)

Hairdressers and barbers

£15,210
per year
vs

Detailed Comparison

MetricHairdressers and barbersPharmacy and optical dispensing assistantsDifference
Median Annual£15,210£18,769-£3,559
Mean Annual£17,418£18,320-£902
Monthly£1,268£1,564-£296
Weekly£293£361-£68
Hourly£7.31£9.02-£1.71

Salary Range Comparison

PercentileHairdressers and barbersPharmacy and optical dispensing assistants
10th (Entry)£8,678£5,938
25th£11,010£12,440
50th (Median)£15,210£18,769
75th£23,700£24,775
90th (Senior)£0£27,645
Advertisement

Frequently Asked Questions

Who earns more, a Hairdressers and barbers or a Pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants?
A Pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants earns more. The median salary for a Hairdressers and barbers is £15,210, whilst a Pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants earns £18,769 — a difference of £3,559 per year.
What is the salary difference between a Hairdressers and barbers and a Pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants?
The difference is £3,559 per year. Pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants is the higher-paid role.
Should I become a Hairdressers and barbers or a Pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants?
From a salary perspective, Pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants offers higher median pay. However, career choice depends on many factors including interests, qualifications, work-life balance and long-term prospects.

More Comparisons