Doctors, scientists and teachers rank as the three most trusted professions in 2026, according to the Ipsos Global Trustworthiness Index 2026. The groups recorded net trust scores of 43, 42 and 37 percentage points, respectively, reflecting the confidence people place in those whose work affects their health, knowledge and daily lives.
The findings show that public trust varies across professions, with healthcare and education workers receiving higher scores than several groups in business, finance and public institutions.
The report, which examined attitudes towards 20 professions, was based on a survey of 23,537 online adults across 31 countries. It measured how much confidence people have in different professional groups and highlighted differences in how the public views people working in similar fields.
The results also raise questions about the relationship between professional responsibility and public confidence, particularly for groups whose decisions affect people’s safety, finances and access to public services.
Here are the eight most trusted professions in 2026, according to the index.
1. Doctors – 43 percentage points
Doctors rank first among the 20 professions assessed, with a net trust score of 43 percentage points.
Their position reflects the role they play in people’s lives, from diagnosing illnesses and providing treatment to advising patients on their health. For many people, doctors are among the first professionals they turn to when facing a health concern.
The trust placed in doctors also comes with responsibility, as patients depend on their knowledge, judgement and medical advice when making decisions about their wellbeing.
2. Scientists – 42 percentage points
Scientists occupy the second position, recording a net trust score of 42 percentage points, just one point behind doctors.
Their ranking highlights the confidence people place in research, evidence and scientific knowledge. Scientists contribute to developments in medicine, technology, agriculture and other areas that influence everyday life.
From vaccine development to climate research, their work helps governments, businesses and individuals understand problems and make decisions based on evidence.
The result places scientists close to doctors, showing the level of confidence associated with professions built around knowledge and research.
3. Teachers – 37 percentage points
Teachers rank third, with a net trust score of 37 percentage points.
Their position reflects the influence of education on individuals and society. Teachers help children and adults acquire knowledge, develop skills and prepare for employment and other responsibilities.
Beyond classroom instruction, they often serve as mentors and guides, influencing how students approach learning and make decisions.
Their ranking also places education professionals among the three groups that lead the global trust index.
4. Armed forces – 16 percentage points
The armed forces rank fourth, recording a net trust score of 16 percentage points.
Their position makes them the highest-ranked group among the public institutions included in the top eight.
Military personnel are responsible for national defence, protecting territorial integrity and responding to security threats. In some countries, they also support emergency operations and humanitarian activities.
However, the score shows a considerable difference between public confidence in the armed forces and the three professions at the top of the ranking.
5. Personal trainers – 10 percentage points
Personal trainers occupy the fifth position, with a net trust score of 10 percentage points.
Their inclusion among the eight most trusted professions highlights the role of fitness and physical wellbeing in people’s lives.
Personal trainers help clients develop exercise routines, set fitness goals and maintain physical activity. They also provide guidance on exercise techniques and training programmes.
Although their work differs from that of doctors and scientists, their position places another health-related profession among the leading groups in the index.
6. Tech entrepreneurs – 6 percentage points
Tech entrepreneurs rank sixth, recording a net trust score of six percentage points.
They play a role in developing technology businesses, introducing digital products and creating services that influence how people work, communicate and conduct business.
Their position reflects the public’s views of professionals operating in the technology and business sectors.
As technology becomes part of everyday activities, entrepreneurs in the sector continue to influence areas such as financial services, education, healthcare and commerce.
However, their score remains below those recorded by doctors, scientists, teachers and personal trainers.
7. Judges – 5 percentage points
Judges rank seventh, with a net trust score of five percentage points.
Their role in interpreting laws, hearing cases and delivering judgements makes public confidence an important part of the justice system.
People depend on the courts to resolve disputes, protect rights and ensure that legal processes are followed. Confidence in judges therefore matters to the public’s perception of fairness and accountability.
Their position in the index shows that trust in the judiciary remains behind confidence in several other professional groups.
8. Police – 5 percentage points
The police complete the list, recording a net trust score of five percentage points, the same score as judges.
Police officers are responsible for maintaining public order, preventing crime, investigating offences and protecting lives and property.
Their work brings them into direct contact with communities, often during situations involving security concerns and disputes.
The shared score with judges places both groups at the bottom of the eight professions assessed in this ranking.
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Chisom Michael is a data analyst (audience engagement) and writer at BusinessDay, with diverse experience in the media industry. He holds a BSc in Industrial Physics from Imo State University and an MEng in Computer Science and Technology from Liaoning Univerisity of Technology China. He specialises in listicle writing, profiles and leveraging his skills in audience engagement analysis and data-driven insights to create compelling content that resonates with readers.
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