Jobs/Employment

Do Americans Work Hard Enough?

Most voters think they already work hard enough and disagree with former Florida Governor Jeb Bush that they need to work even harder to help fix the economy.

Are Obama’s Overtime Changes Good for the Economy?

Voters appear more supportive of President Obama’s expansion of overtime pay than they were last year, but most also still feel that business owners, not the government, should make the decisions about their businesses.

Regular Fast-Food Diners Don't Want to Pay More to Raise Minimum Wage

Fast food giant McDonald’s recently announced it will raise its hourly wage by more than 10% starting this July. But Americans aren’t thrilled about the possibility of paying higher prices for fast food to support those higher salaries.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 26% of American Adults rarely or never eat at fast-food restaurants. Fifty-one percent (51%) eat at such restaurants at least two to three times a month, unchanged from last October. This includes 29% who eat fast food at least once a week. Twenty-two percent (22%) say they eat at a fast-food restaurant every now and then. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 800 American Adults was conducted on April 2 & 5, 2015 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3.5 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Additional information from this survey and a full demographic breakdown are available to Platinum Members only.

Support Is Still There for Raising the Minimum Wage

Most Americans still support raising the minimum wage, even though just over half don’t know exactly what the minimum wage currently is.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 54% of American Adults favor an increase in the minimum wage. Thirty-two percent (32%) are opposed, while 13% are undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 800 American Adults was conducted on April 2 & 5, 2015 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3.5 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Additional information from this survey and a full demographic breakdown are available to Platinum Members only.

More Americans Now Consider Themselves Among Working Poor

Although nearly half of working Americans expect to earn more money a year from today, slightly more now say they’re in poverty.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 47% of employed American Adults say they’ll be earning more money a year from today, down from 50% in surveys since July. Just 12% expect to earn less money in a year, while 33% think their salaries will remain about the same over the next 12 months, generally in line with recent surveys. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 571 Employed Adults was conducted on February 3-4, 2015 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 4 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Americans Say Their Current Job Is Their Best Bet

Americans seem to be content with their current jobs as nearly half believe staying put affords them the best opportunity to get ahead. 

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds 47% of Employed Americans believe staying with their current job gives them the best chance for career advancement. This finding is up six points from December and is the highest finding since January 2013. Thirty-three percent (33%) think going to work for someone else affords them the best chance for career advancement. Twenty percent (20%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 571 Employed Adults was conducted on February 3-4, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 4 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Support for Long-Term Unemployment Aid Remains Low

As the national unemployment rate continues to drop, most Americans remain opposed to long-term government help for those out of work.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 15% of American Adults think the government should hire those who can't find work after an extended period of time. Eleven percent (11%) think the government should extend unemployment benefits indefinitely for the long-term unemployed. But 34% think the government should pay for their retraining only, while 30% say it should do nothing at all. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 800 Adults was conducted on January 4-5, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3.5 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Do Government Workers Work Less, Make More?

Americans continue to believe that government employees have it made: They earn more, do less and have more job security.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 50% of American Adults think the average government worker earns more annually than the average private sector employee, up from 46% in November but consistent with surveying for several years. Only 26% disagree, but just as many (24%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).  Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter and Facebook.

The survey of 800 American Adults was conducted on January 4-5, 2015 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Americans Remain Positive About the Jobs Picture

Americans are still feeling better about the job market.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 24% of American Adults think unemployment will be higher a year from today. This is up three points from 21% in November, but that was the lowest level of pessimism in over four years of regular surveying. Now, 30% believe the unemployment rate will be lower in a year's time, the highest finding since March 2013. Thirty-eight percent (38%) say the unemployment situation will be about the same. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).  Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter and Facebook.

The survey of 800 Adults was conducted on January 4-5, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3.5 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology. 

Americans Remain Confident They're Getting A Pay Raise

One-out-of-two working Americans expect a pay raise in the coming year, but those who classify themselves as the working poor are much less optimistic.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 11% of Employed Americans consider themselves poor. The vast majority (86%), however, view themselves as middle class, with 21% who describe themselves as upper middle class. Just one percent (1%) say they are wealthy. These findings are generally consistent with regular surveying since early 2009 just after the Wall Street meltdown. (To see survey question wording, click here).

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 623 Employed Adults was conducted on December 2-3, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 4 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

That Next Job Doesn't Look Quite As Good

Fewer working Americans think the grass will be greener at their next job.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 38% of Employed Americans still believe their next job will be better than their current one  but that's down from a recent high of 44% in late July and the lowest level of confidence in a year. Just 11% think their next job won’t be better, while 22% plan to retire after their current job. Twenty-nine percent (29%) don’t know what to expect when they move on. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 623 Employed Adults was conducted on December 2-3, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 4 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

New High: 35% Say Job Market Better Than a Year Ago

As voters headed to the polls this week to express their displeasure with the White House and Congress, Americans were also expressing more optimism in the job market than they have in years. A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 35% of American Adults believe the job market is better than it was a year ago. That is up five points from September and is the highest level measured in more than four years of regular tracking. Twenty-three percent (23%) say the job market is worse than it was a year ago, also the lowest negative assessment on record. Another 39% believe the situation is about the same. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

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The survey of 1,000 Adults was conducted on November 1-2, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 3 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Americans Say Current Job Offers Better Career Advancement

Americans say they have a better chance for career advancement by staying at their current job than going to work for someone else.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 43% of Working Americans say they have a better chance to advance their career by staying at their current job. This finding is up five points from August and the highest finding since January 2013. One-in-three (33%) Working Americans say going to work for someone else will advance their careers, down four points from previous survey and the lowest finding since January 2013. Twenty-four percent (24%) remain undecided. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update ? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).  Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 622 Employed Adults was conducted on September 28-29, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 4 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Americans Like the Look of Their Next Job

Americans are more optimistic about their job prospects than they have been for most of the past five years.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 44% of Employed Adults believe their next job will be better than their current one, up two points from June and the highest level of confidence since May 2012. This finding has generally been in the high 20s and low to mid-30s since early 2009. Only 13% think their next job will not be better, while 22% plan to retire when they leave their current employer. Just as many (21%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here).

(Want a  free daily e-mail update ? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).  Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 583 Employed Adults was conducted on July 28-29, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 4 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Americans See More Money Coming Their Way

More Americans than ever are optimistic that in one year’s time they will be earning more money.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 50% of Employed Adults believe they will be making more money a year from today. That’s up two points from June's previous high of 48% and the highest finding in over five years of regular tracking. Just eight percent (8%) expect to earn less next year. Thirty-five percent (35%) think they’ll be making about the same amount, the lowest finding since April 2009. (To see survey question wording, click here).

(Want a  free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).  Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 583 Employed Adults was conducted on July 28-29, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 4 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

48% Expect to Earn More Money Next Year

Working Americans are more optimistic about their future earning potential today than they have been in five years.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 48% of Employed Adults believe they will be earning more money a year from today. That’s up six points from April and the highest finding since April 2009 when regular polling first began on the question. Just 10% expect to earn less next year, while 36% think they’ll be making about the same amount. (To see survey question wording, click here).

(Want a free daily e-mail update ? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).  Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 617 Employed Adults was conducted on June 1-2, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 4 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

42% Think Their Next Job Will Be Better

With worker confidence at its highest level in several years, fewer workers are willing to commit to their current job. Confidence that their next job will be better is at its highest level in two years.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 30% of Employed Adults are looking for a job outside of their current company, up four points from April and the highest finding since March 2011. Sixty-four percent (64%) still aren't looking, but that's down from 71% as recently as February. (To see survey question wording, click here).

(Want a  free daily e-mail update  ? If it's in the news, it's in our polls).  Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 617 Employed Adults was conducted on June 1-2, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 4 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

Most Workers Like Their Boss

Most Americans look forward to going to work perhaps in large part because they like the people they work with.

Sixty-eight percent (68%) of working Americans rate their boss or supervisor as good or excellent, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey. Just nine percent (9%) give their boss poor marks. This shows little change from last year. (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 612 Working Americans was conducted on May 12-13, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 4 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.

43% Rarely or Never Contact the Office While on Vacation

More American workers than ever plan on using all of their vacation time this year, and fewer are connecting with work while they are away.

A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey shows that 61% of Employed Adults plan to use all of their vacation time this year, while 24% do not. Fifteen percent (15%) are not sure. (To see survey question wording, click here).

62% Look Forward to Going to Work

The number of employed Americans who put in more than 40 hours a week on the job has increased since a year ago, but most still say they look forward to going to work each day.

The latest Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that just 28% of Working Americans say they work a 40-hour week. Thirty-eight percent (38%) work more than that, with 10% who work more than 50 hours a week.  (To see survey question wording, click here.)

(Want a free daily e-mail update ? If it's in the news, it's in our polls). Rasmussen Reports updates are also available on Twitter or Facebook.

The survey of 612 Working Americans was conducted on May 12-13, 2014 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 4 percentage points with a 95% level of confidence. Field work for all Rasmussen Reports surveys is conducted by Pulse Opinion Research, LLC. See methodology.