Pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants vs Skilled trades occupations Salary (2025)

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

Skilled trades occupations earns £16,150 more per year (86% higher)
vs

Skilled trades occupations

£34,919
per year

Detailed Comparison

MetricPharmacy and optical dispensing assistantsSkilled trades occupationsDifference
Median Annual£18,769£34,919-£16,150
Mean Annual£18,320£36,896-£18,576
Monthly£1,564£2,910-£1,346
Weekly£361£672-£311
Hourly£9.02£16.79-£7.77

Salary Range Comparison

PercentilePharmacy and optical dispensing assistantsSkilled trades occupations
10th (Entry)£5,938£19,202
25th£12,440£27,269
50th (Median)£18,769£34,919
75th£24,775£44,593
90th (Senior)£27,645£56,036
Advertisement

Frequently Asked Questions

Who earns more, a Pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants or a Skilled trades occupations?
A Skilled trades occupations earns more. The median salary for a Pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants is £18,769, whilst a Skilled trades occupations earns £34,919 — a difference of £16,150 per year.
What is the salary difference between a Pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants and a Skilled trades occupations?
The difference is £16,150 per year. Skilled trades occupations is the higher-paid role.
Should I become a Pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants or a Skilled trades occupations?
From a salary perspective, Skilled trades occupations offers higher median pay. However, career choice depends on many factors including interests, qualifications, work-life balance and long-term prospects.

More Comparisons