A recent Ipsos Global Trustworthiness Index released in 2026 surveyed 23,530 online adults under 75 in 32 countries and found that medical doctors are the most trusted profession worldwide, with 58 % of respondents expressing confidence in them, while politicians and social media influencers each attracted only 15 % trust.
The study, conducted by the market‑research firm [Ipsos](https://www.ipsos.com), asked participants to indicate whether they trusted various occupations, not to name a single most‑trusted job. Doctors topped the list at 58 %, followed closely by scientists at 56 % and teachers at 54 %.
[Doctors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Physician) lead the rankings, reflecting broad public confidence in health professionals. Scientists rank second, underscoring the value placed on evidence‑based expertise, while teachers occupy the third slot, highlighting respect for education workers.
Restaurant serving staff came in fourth with 44 % trust, and the armed forces were close behind at 43 %. Police officers, judges and ordinary men and women each recorded 38 % trust, whereas lawyers lagged at 31 %.
Television news anchors earned 30 % trust, pollsters and clergy each 29 %, and taxi drivers and civil servants 28 %. Journalists and bankers both scored 27 %, and business leaders 26 %.
At the lower end of the spectrum, government ministers were trusted by only 20 % of respondents, advertising executives by 19 %, and both social media influencers and politicians received the lowest confidence levels at 15 % each.
"Doctors are the most trusted profession globally," said Ipsos, emphasizing the stark contrast between confidence in health and scientific experts versus political figures and online personalities. The percentages represent the share of respondents who expressed trust in each group, not the proportion that named it as their single most trusted occupation.
The findings illustrate a pronounced gap between the high regard for professionals involved in health, science and education and the skepticism directed at political leaders and influencers. The survey’s methodology and exact question wording can be verified in the full Ipsos report.
Overall, the index highlights how public trust varies dramatically across occupations, with implications for policy makers, media outlets and businesses seeking to engage audiences worldwide.