Firefighter, doctor and nurse are viewed by U.S. adults as the most prestigious occupations an individual can have, while business executive, stockbroker and real estate agent are jobs at the opposite end of the spectrum, according to the 2006 Harris Poll measuring public perceptions of professions and occupations.

Six occupations are perceived to have "very great" prestige by at least half of all individuals polled: firefighter (63%), doctor (58%), nurse (55%), scientist (54%), teacher (52%) and military officer (51%). They are followed by police officer (43%) and priest/minister/clergyman (40%).

By way of contrast, the list includes nine occupations that are perceived by less than 20% of adults to have "very great" prestige, with one of these under 10%. The lowest ratings for "very great prestige" go to real estate broker (6%), stockbroker (11%), business executive (11%), actor (12%), union leader (12%), journalist (12%), banker (17%), accountant (17%) and entertainer (18%). Three occupations perceived by one-quarter or more of adults to have "hardly any prestige at all" are union leaders (25%), real estate brokers (32%) and actors (37%).

Harris Interactive has been asking about the prestige of different professions and occupations since 1977. Over the 29 years since then, there have been some interesting changes. The percentage of those who see teachers as having "very great" prestige has risen 23 points from 29% to 52%. The percentage of those who say lawyers have "very great" prestige has fallen 15 points from 36% to 21%.

Two years ago, the profession of firefighter rose from 48% to 56% and this past year from 56% to the current 63%.

The poll was conducted by telephone within the United States between July 5 and 11, 2006, among a nationwide cross-section of more than 1,000 adults aged 18 and over.