WINDSOR, Conn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–A new study released by leading life insurance provider Vantis Life has highlighted just how valued heroic jobs are in American society. The research polled 2,000 U.S. residents, asking respondents to rank 22 common professions based on how heroic, important and trusted they are, and how they should be compensated accordingly.

Vantis Life undertook the survey to reveal what Americans value about professions, and what characteristics make an everyday job heroic. When asked what defined a heroic profession, respondents suggested the top characteristics to be:

• Saving someone’s life (80%)
• Risking your own life (77%)
• Standing up for other people (75%)

These values are strongly reflected in the careers that were considered the most heroic amongst Americans – soldiers, firefighters, police officers, doctors and nurses – showing that true leadership and prioritizing others above yourself are key characteristics that define heroism.

The study also revealed how these occupations are perceived when it comes to trust and value to society. These life-risking roles are highly ranked amongst trust, with soldiers and firefighters ranking in the top two slots, as well as importance, with police officers and firefighters as the third and fourth slot, respectively. Police officers and firefighters were only outranked by doctors and teachers as the first and second occupations of importance to the American people.

According to Alison Robb, Digital Marketing Manager at Vantis Life, “Individuals who pursue these risky, yet heroic careers play a crucial role in American society. They’re instrumental in ensuring our safety, health and educational development, and despite putting more than full-time hours into their profession, they may or may not receive the traditional benefits associated with a 9-to-5 job. Vantis Life believes that anyone who has a family and/or financial obligations – regardless of occupation – can be a ‘real life’ hero by protecting their loved ones with life insurance.”

Notes for Editors

• For a full analysis of survey results, please visit the Vantis Life blog
• If you have any questions or would like more information about the research, please contact jennie.lindehoff@searchlaboratory.com

About Vantis Life

Established in 1942, Vantis Life Insurance Company’s primary goal is to provide families with affordable life insurance products that can be purchased conveniently online or via a network of financial institutions. The Company prides itself on providing simple, easy-to-afford products to middle-income American families and supporting these products with attentive and personal customer service. Vantis Life is a separately operated subsidiary of The Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company.