Pay by Role
United Kingdom · Salary comparison

Optometrist vs Pharmacist salary

In United Kingdom, a pharmacist earns about 4% more than a optometrist $198,128 vs $190,096 per year.

Showing amounts in USD (USD default; source data is GBP). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies

Healthcare
Optometrist
$190,096/yr
Monthly
$15,797
Hourly
$91
Range
$138,824$252,882
10-yr outlook
+9%
Pays more
Healthcare
Pharmacist
$198,128/yr
Monthly
$16,466
Hourly
$95
Range
$153,550$252,614
10-yr outlook
+3%

Pay range, side by side

PercentileOptometristPharmacist
Entry (10th)$138,824$153,550
25th$164,393$175,906
Median$190,096$198,128
75th$221,422$225,438
Senior (90th)$252,882$252,614

National United Kingdom figures in GBP. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.

More Healthcare comparisons

Frequently asked questions

Does a optometrist or pharmacist earn more in United Kingdom?
A pharmacist earns more, at about £148,000 per year vs £142,000 for a optometrist — roughly 4% (£6,000) more.
What is the salary range for these roles in United Kingdom?
A optometrist typically earns £103,700–£188,900, while a pharmacist earns £114,700–£188,700 per year.
How much do these jobs pay per month in United Kingdom?
On a monthly basis before tax, a optometrist averages about £11,800 and a pharmacist about £12,300.
How do entry-level salaries compare?
At the 10th percentile in United Kingdom, a optometrist earns about £103,700 while a pharmacist earns about £114,700 per year.
How do senior-level salaries compare?
At the 90th percentile in United Kingdom, a optometrist earns about £188,900 while a pharmacist earns about £188,700 per year.
Are optometrist and pharmacist similar careers?
Both roles sit in the Healthcare category on Pay by Role, which is why we compare them head-to-head. Day-to-day work still differs — review each job page for skills and outlook.