Which professions attract the most honest and ethical people? Americans have some strong feelings on the topic.
For its latest annual Honesty and Ethics poll, Gallup asked more than 1,000 people from all 50 states and Washington, D.C., about how they perceive the honesty and ethical standards of workers in various professions.
Gallup conducts the survey annually but does not ask about the same professions every year. Our ranking is based on the results from the past three annual surveys — and includes all professions for which at least 50% of survey respondents rated their honesty and ethical standards as “high” or “very high.”
These are the professions where the most honest and ethical people work their trade every day.
1. Nurses
Respondents who rate the honesty and ethical standards of people in this field as “high” or “very high”: 78%
Median pay for this occupation: Ranges from $35,740 per year for nursing assistants to $125,900 per year for nurse anesthetists, nurse midwives and nurse practitioners
It’s no surprise that people perceive high standards of honesty and ethics among people who choose professions where they help others.
Nursing can be physically and emotionally demanding, but workers in the field sacrifice to help preserve the health of others. That is presumably why they get high marks for honesty and ethics. In fact, nurses have topped Gallup’s list for 22 years in a row.
2. Veterinarians
Respondents who rate the honesty and ethical standards of people in this field as “high” or “very high”: 65%
Median pay for this occupation: $103,260 per year
Our pets hold a special place in our hearts and are a part of our family just like anyone else. We want them to receive the best care possible from someone who recognizes how important they are.
Vets go through years of school and training. To us, this demonstrates their immense knowledge as well as their dedication to our furry friends.
3. Grade school teachers
Respondents who rate the honesty and ethical standards of people in this field as “high” or “very high”: 64%
Median pay for this occupation: $61,620 per year
Teaching is another profession in which workers make sacrifices to help others. And they do so knowing the pay won’t make them rich.
That type of selfless dedication likely earns them their high marks for honesty and ethical standards.
Other high-ranking professions
American surveyed also view people in the following professions as having high levels of honesty and personal ethics:
- Military officers: 61% (as of the 2021 survey)
- Engineers: 60%
- Dentists: 59%
- Medical doctors: 56%
- Pharmacists: 55%
- High school teachers: 53% (as of the 2022 survey)
- Daycare providers: 50% (as of the 2021 survey)
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