Pharmacy and other dispensing assistants
£22,943
Average salary
38 hours
Average weekly hours
3.18%
Unemployment rate
Definition: Pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants
*SOC Code (Standard Occupational Classification): 7114
Pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants work under the supervision of pharmacists and opticians or optometrists to dispense drugs and medicines, issue pre-packaged prescriptions, sell over-the-counter medication, dispense spectacles and contact lenses and other related products.
Common tasks include:
- checks received prescriptions for legality and accuracy and confirms patients’ or customers’ details
- maintains records of prescriptions received and drugs issued
- checks stock levels, rotates stock, orders new stock from supplying companies and ensures that products are stored appropriately
- arranges displays of merchandise
- relays information to customers under the direction of pharmacist and opticians or optometrists
- carries out sales transaction, wraps and packages goods
Qualifications
Entrants usually possess GCSEs/S grades. Training is typically received on-the-job, supplemented by study towards vocational qualifications. NVQs/ SVQs are available in relevant areas and at various levels, and apprenticeships may be available.
*Introduced in 1990, SOC is a multi-purpose common classification of occupations in UK. Jobs are defined in terms of skill level and skill content, including qualifications, training and work experience.
Employment status: Pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants
Regional employment: Pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants
Future employment: Pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants
Top 12 industries: Pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants
Alternative & related job titles: Pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants
Dispenser Health care assistant (retail pharmacy) Optical assistant Pharmacy assistant
Equality focus: Pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants
Breaking down the official government big data sources by gender, age and region. Hours and pay data based on full time equlivalent roles.
Breakdown by gender
£21,900
Female average annual salary
£26,593
Male average annual salary
37
Female average weekly hours
43
Male average weekly hours
Average pay per hour: Pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants
Workforce gender: Pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants
Breakdown by region
£27,114
South East (England) - highest annual average salary
£20,336
North East (England) - lowest annual average salary
46
Northern Ireland - Highest average weekly hours
36
North East (England) - Lowest average weekly hours
Average pay per week (£): Pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants
Average weekly hours by UK region/nation: Pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants
Breakdown by age
20 years
Lowest annual salary (£7,821)
years
Highest annual salary (£0) at this age