Hairdressers and Related Services vs Pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants Salary (2025)

How do Hairdressers and Related Services 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 £3,480 more per year (23% higher)
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Detailed Comparison

MetricHairdressers and Related ServicesPharmacy and optical dispensing assistantsDifference
Median Annual£15,289£18,769-£3,480
Mean Annual£17,548£18,320-£772
Monthly£1,274£1,564-£290
Weekly£294£361-£67
Hourly£7.35£9.02-£1.67

Salary Range Comparison

PercentileHairdressers and Related ServicesPharmacy and optical dispensing assistants
10th (Entry)£8,401£5,938
25th£10,874£12,440
50th (Median)£15,289£18,769
75th£23,951£24,775
90th (Senior)£28,548£27,645
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Frequently Asked Questions

Who earns more, a Hairdressers and Related Services or a Pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants?
A Pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants earns more. The median salary for a Hairdressers and Related Services is £15,289, whilst a Pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants earns £18,769 — a difference of £3,480 per year.
What is the salary difference between a Hairdressers and Related Services and a Pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants?
The difference is £3,480 per year. Pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants is the higher-paid role.
Should I become a Hairdressers and Related Services 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.

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