Nurses again received the highest honesty and ethics ratings from Americans in Gallup's latest annual survey, extending a run that has lasted for decades and remains unmatched by most other professions measured.
In Gallup's report published January 12, 2026, 75% of U.S. adults rated nurses' honesty and ethical standards as very high
or high.
Gallup's findings matter for nursing students and early-career nurses because they reflect how the public views the profession at a time when many healthcare roles are seeing lower trust scores than in prior years. Gallup notes that nurses have led the rankings since they were added to the survey in 1999, with one exception in 2001, when firefighters ranked first in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks.
How Nurses Compared With Other Healthcare Professions
Gallup reported that only a few professions earned majority-level positive ethics ratings in the most recent survey cycle. Along with nurses, medical doctors and pharmacists also received majority “high” or “very high” scores, though at noticeably lower levels than nursing.
Selected professions and “high/very high” honesty and ethics ratings reported by Gallup include:
- Nurses: 75%
- Military veterans: 67%
- Medical doctors: 57%
- Pharmacists: 53%
At the lower end of the rankings, Gallup reported very low ethics ratings for telemarketers, members of Congress, and car salespeople.
Long-Running Lead Below Pandemic-Era Highs
Gallup emphasized that while nurses remain the highest-rated profession, the current 75% rating is below the peak reached during the COVID-19 pandemic. The rating is closer to the lower end of nursing's historical range, though still well ahead of other occupations.
The report also noted that honesty and ethics ratings for several other professions, including medical doctors and pharmacists, have declined substantially from their pandemic-era highs.
Across all professions measured, Gallup reported that seven of the 21 occupations included in the survey reached new lows or tied previous low points, reflecting broader declines in public trust.
Poll Timing and Methodology
Gallup's survey was conducted through telephone interviews between December 1 and December 15, 2025. The sample included 1,016 U.S. adults. Gallup reported a margin of sampling error of plus or minus four percentage points at the 95% confidence level for the full sample.
Why This Matters for Nursing Students
For students considering nursing school or preparing for licensure, the Gallup findings highlight the profession's continued standing as one of the most trusted occupations in the United States. At the same time, the broader declines in trust reported across many professions suggest that public confidence should not be assumed or taken for granted.
Source
Gallup – Nurses Continue to Lead in Honesty and Ethics Ratings (January 12, 2026)