SOC 2020 · 7114
Pharmacy and optical dispensing assistants
Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations from
Skilled Worker
Not eligible
No Skilled Worker route through this code.
Salary floor
£41,700
The higher of the going rate and the general threshold.
Shortage lists
Not listed
This code is on neither the Immigration Salary List nor the Temporary Shortage List.
What this occupation actually pays
ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, full-time gross annual pay.
- UK pay for this occupation
View these figures as a table
| Percentile | Pay |
|---|---|
| 10th | £19,274 |
| 25th | £21,536 |
| 50th | £23,783 |
| Region | 10th | 25th | Median | 75th | 90th |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK 2025 | £19,274 | £21,536 | £23,783 | — | — |
| East 2025 | — | — | £24,677 | — | — |
| East Midlands 2025 | — | — | £23,059 | — | — |
| London 2025 | — | — | £23,237 | — | — |
| North East 2025 | — | — | £20,240 |
Job titles in this code
What the work involves
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.
Typical tasks
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
Entry routes and 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.