Top 10 Most Respected Professions In The World

What do you think is the most respected occupation in the world? Some professions are revered around the world while the respect for others varies depending on the country and the fact that different professions appeal to different generations. Here we take a look at the top 10 most respected professions in the world.

How did the Varkey Foundation determine the most respected professions?

Global education charity Varkey Foundation and the University of Sussex conducted a survey as part of their latest Global Teacher Status Index for 2018 to find out the most respected jobs. The survey was conducted in 35 countries. A thousand members of the general public in each country were asked to rank a list of 14 typical graduate occupations from most to least respected.

The Varkey Foundation deliberately chose these 14 occupations as graduate or graduate-perceived jobs that require similar qualifications in terms of completing high school and “undertaking further university or tertiary education or professional equivalent qualifications.”

The average profession score of each occupation was out of 14. According to the survey, librarians are the least respected with an average score of 4.6 out of 14. Above them were social workers (5.8), web designers (5.9), and primary school teachers (6.4). Below are the top 10 most respected professions:

10- Secondary School Teacher

With an average score of 7.0 out of 14, the secondary school teacher is the 10th most respected profession in the world, sitting above the occupation of the primary school teacher. There is a growing shortage of skilled teachers all over the world. Highly qualified graduates in developed countries such as the United States are less likely to pursue teaching as a career. Also, the Varkey Foundation found that teachers are revered in countries like China, Malaysia, and Taiwan, but not in Western nations.

9- Management Consultant

A management consultant is someone who helps businesses big and small improve their performance. In Varkey Foundation’s survey, management consultants received an average score of 7.1 out of 14. Management consultants are well-paid and highly respected.

8- Local Government Manager

The occupation of local government manager is the 8th most respected in the world. Local government managers work in departments such as education, planning, social work, and housing. They implement policies and decisions made by local councilors to ensure that the services are delivered well.

7- Accountant

Just like management consultants, accountants are well-paid and highly respected around the world. But it’s the “pay element” that attracts more people to these professions rather than the “respect element.” Accountants received an average score of 7.3 out of 14.

6- Nurse

Nurses aren’t as well-paid as accountants or management consultants. Nursing is also considered a ‘low status’ profession. But when it comes to respect, nurses tend to command more respect than accountants and management consultants with an average score of 7.4 out of 14.

5- Police Officer

There is always a degree of prestige associated with policemen. However, the Varkey Foundation found that a lot of people believe it to be a lowly paid job. People also believe police officers are prone to corruption and they may have dubious relationships with politicians. Police officers received an average score of 7.8 in the survey.

4- Head Teacher

A head teacher commands far more respect than the primary school teachers and secondary school teachers. Head teachers received an average score of 8.1 out of 14. The Varkey Foundation noted that the head teachers are respected by both the general public and the teaching community.

3- Engineer

This shouldn’t come as a surprise. Engineers have changed the way we live, travel, and communicate. They have transformed almost every part of our lives using math and physics. Engineers received an average score of 9.1 out of 14 in the survey.

2- Lawyer

Irrespective of the jokes people make about lawyers, practicing law is one of the most respected professions in the world. Lawyers received an average score of 9.5 out of 14 in the Varkey Foundation’s survey. Lawyers counsel their clients about legal options and represent them in civil or criminal court proceedings.

1- Doctors

Undoubtedly, the most respected profession in the world with a score of 11.6 out of 14. Their monetary compensation and status is also among the highest. It’s not easy to become a doctor. Specialists such as surgeons are often the only person standing between a patient’s life and death.

I wonder if these professions will still command the same respect when robots begin to replace humans.