The honesty factor

Gallup asked Americans how they rated certain professions when it comes to honesty and ethical standards—an annual survey the pollster has conducted since 1990. This year, nurses topped the list. In fact, nurses have made the top spot nearly every year since first being included in the list back in 1999. Meanwhile, members of Congress rounded out the bottom. Here’s how the full list shakes out among the 11 professions included:

Very high or high Average Very low or low

Nurses 80% 17% 2%

Doctors 65% 29% 7%

Pharmacists 65% 28% 7%

Police officers 48% 31% 20%

Clergy 46% 35% 13%

Bankers 23% 49% 26%

Lawyers 21% 45% 34%

Business executives 17% 50% 32%

Advertising practitioners 10% 44% 42%

Car salespeople 8% 46% 45%

Members of Congress 7% 30% 61%