Prestige Poll The annual Harris Poll measuring public perceptions of professions and occupations show that firefighters, doctors and nurses are seen as prestigious occupations by U.S. adults, while business executives, stockbrokers and real estate agents are seen at the opposite end of the spectrum. The 8 most prestigious careers are firefighters (63%), doctors (58%), nurses (55%), scientists (54%), teachers (52%), military officers (51%), and police officers (43%) The 9 lowest rated occupations are real estate brokers (6%), stockbrokers (11%), business executives (11%), actors (12%), union leaders (12%), journalists (16%), bankers (17%), accountants (17%), and entertainers (18%). Teachers prestige has risen from 29% to 52% since ‘77. (PWB 8/4/06)