Pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants vs Process, plant and machine operatives Salary (2025)

How do Pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants and Process, plant and machine operatives salaries compare in the UK? Here is a detailed side-by-side breakdown.

Process, plant and machine operatives earns £14,402 more per year (77% higher)
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Detailed Comparison

MetricPharmacy and optical dispensing assistantsProcess, plant and machine operativesDifference
Median Annual£18,769£33,171-£14,402
Mean Annual£18,320£34,903-£16,583
Monthly£1,564£2,764-£1,200
Weekly£361£638-£277
Hourly£9.02£15.95-£6.93

Salary Range Comparison

PercentilePharmacy and optical dispensing assistantsProcess, plant and machine operatives
10th (Entry)£5,938£17,094
25th£12,440£26,372
50th (Median)£18,769£33,171
75th£24,775£42,276
90th (Senior)£27,645£52,540
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Frequently Asked Questions

Who earns more, a Pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants or a Process, plant and machine operatives?
A Process, plant and machine operatives earns more. The median salary for a Pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants is £18,769, whilst a Process, plant and machine operatives earns £33,171 — a difference of £14,402 per year.
What is the salary difference between a Pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants and a Process, plant and machine operatives?
The difference is £14,402 per year. Process, plant and machine operatives is the higher-paid role.
Should I become a Pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants or a Process, plant and machine operatives?
From a salary perspective, Process, 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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