Job prestige

The Harris Poll recently surveyed 1,010 U.S. adults and discovered that — based on the poll results — 62% of Americans say the most prestigious job is that of a firefighter.

The most prestigious jobs are:
Firefighter (62% say “very great prestige”),
Scientist (57%),
Doctor (56%),
Nurse (54%),
Teacher (51%), and
Military officer (51%).

The least prestigious occupations are:
Real estate agent/broker (5%),
Accountant (11%),
Stock broker (13%), and
Actor (15%).

Occupations that moved up the most in the year were business executive, up six points to 23%; military officer, up five points to 51%; and firefighter, up five points to 62%. Occupations that lost the most points in the past year were farmers, down five points to 36%, and accountants, down four points to 11%.

The biggest change since 1977 — the first year The Harris Poll asked the question — has been a 22 point increase from 29% to 51% in those who believe teachers have very great prestige. The two occupations losing substantial ground since 1977 are scientists, down 9 points to 57% and lawyers, down 10 points to 26%.

Two occupations have remained unchanged since 1977: priests/ministers/clergy at 41% and journalists at 17%. (Frankly, we at The City Wire are surprised journalists had a ranking that required two digits.)