Survey reveals: America’s most valued workers

We surveyed 3,000 Americans to reveal the most valued workers in our communities—those who keep us safe and connected. This study highlights the dedication of these essential, often underappreciated professionals.

The key findings are highlighted below. Use the map below to see the most appreciated essential workers in each state.

Key Findings

The top 10 most valued workers are:

1. Teachers 2. Nurses 3. Caregivers 4. Paramedics 5. Community outreach workers 6. Firefighters 7. Utility workers 8. Social workers 9. Grocery store workers 10. Postal workers

1. Regional Trends in Essential Work

States with large agricultural sectors, like Kansas and Kentucky, place a high value on farmers—a reminder of the critical role agriculture plays in these regions.

Similarly, teachers were a top choice in states across the country, from Alaska to Missouri, underscoring a universal recognition of their impact on future generations, despite state-specific variations.

2. Safety and Community Protection

Police officers were the most valued essential workers overall, especially in populous states like California, Arizona, and New Jersey. This could reflect the challenges these states face with urban crime and safety concerns, highlighting how essential workers address unique local issues.

Firefighters are also valued, particularly in states prone to natural disasters, such as Iowa and Texas.

3. Health and Medical Response

The high ranking of nurses, particularly in states with lower population densities like South Dakota and Nebraska, could indicate a reliance on healthcare workers in areas where healthcare access might be limited.

Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) were particularly valued in Indiana, Maine, and Utah, showcasing the vital support they provide in both urban and rural settings.

4. Mental Health Awareness

Mental health counselors were top choices in Colorado and Delaware. This could be a reflection of growing awareness about mental health, especially in states where mental wellness initiatives are gaining momentum, recognizing the importance of supporting mental health professionals in these regions.

5. Utility and Infrastructure Maintenance

In states like Florida and Massachusetts, utility workers ranked highly, likely due to their work maintaining essential services under challenging conditions—particularly in Florida, where recent storms underscored the value of these professionals in disaster response.

6. Community-Focused Roles

Grocery store workers earned top recognition in states like Georgia, Maryland, and Oklahoma, especially as frontline workers who kept communities supplied during the pandemic.

Likewise, janitors and cleaners were most valued in New York, where sanitation and cleanliness are critical in densely populated urban environments.

Bottom Line

In every community, there are workers who step up to do some of society’s most challenging and demanding jobs.

From teachers and nurses to utility workers and paramedics, these essential professionals keep our neighborhoods safe, connected, and resilient. Yet, despite the critical roles they play, it’s often these very workers who go unnoticed and underappreciated.

Day in and day out, they tackle high-stress situations, long hours, and physical demands, often with little recognition or compensation. In many ways, they are the unsung heroes, forming the backbone of society while facing unique pressures and risks.

As communities begin to recognize the indispensable nature of these roles, it becomes clear that their contributions deserve far more support, appreciation, and investment.

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