Americans say hard work matters most for getting ahead
Core finding
About two-thirds of Americans (65%) count hard work as important for getting ahead in the United States, more than any other factor tested, according to a March 2026 Verasight survey.
Growing up in a wealthy family follows at 46%, ahead of luck (35%), natural talent (32%) and race or ethnicity (25%). Just 4% name none of these.
Selected responses
Americans say hard work matters most for getting ahead.
In your opinion, which of the following factors are important for getting ahead in the United States today?
n = 1,000 · Mar 6–16, 2026 · MoE ±3.6%
Methodology
Full methodology →| Mode | Verasight panel recruited via random address-based sampling, random person-to-person text messaging, and dynamic online targeting |
|---|---|
| Population | US adults age 18+ |
| Field dates | Mar 6–16, 2026 |
| Base (unweighted) | 1,000 |
| Margin of error | ±3.6% |
| Module | Module 4: Identity, Politics, & Social Trust |
| Sponsor | Verasight |
| Weight variable | weight |
| Weighting targets | age, race/ethnicity, sex, income, education, region, metropolitan status |
Sources
- reports.verasight.io/r/omnibus-2026-044
In your opinion, which of the following factors are important for getting ahead in the United States today?
Cite this question
Verasight Client Omnibus Survey #2026-044, fielded March 6-16, 2026, N=1,000 US adults age 18+, +/- 3.6%.