Pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants vs Plant and Machine Operatives Salary (2025)

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

Plant and Machine Operatives earns £15,174 more per year (81% higher)
vs

Plant and Machine Operatives

£33,943
per year

Detailed Comparison

MetricPharmacy and optical dispensing assistantsPlant and Machine OperativesDifference
Median Annual£18,769£33,943-£15,174
Mean Annual£18,320£36,343-£18,023
Monthly£1,564£2,829-£1,265
Weekly£361£653-£292
Hourly£9.02£16.32-£7.30

Salary Range Comparison

PercentilePharmacy and optical dispensing assistantsPlant and Machine Operatives
10th (Entry)£5,938£24,081
25th£12,440£27,885
50th (Median)£18,769£33,943
75th£24,775£40,998
90th (Senior)£27,645£0
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Frequently Asked Questions

Who earns more, a Pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants or a Plant and Machine Operatives?
A Plant and Machine Operatives earns more. The median salary for a Pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants is £18,769, whilst a Plant and Machine Operatives earns £33,943 — a difference of £15,174 per year.
What is the salary difference between a Pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants and a Plant and Machine Operatives?
The difference is £15,174 per year. Plant and Machine Operatives is the higher-paid role.
Should I become a Pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants or a Plant and Machine Operatives?
From a salary perspective, Plant and Machine Operatives 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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