# Americans say hard work matters most for getting ahead

Canonical page: https://data.verasight.io/culture/americans-say-hard-work-matters-most-for-getting-ahead/

> Indexed question in Culture.

## Reading

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.

## Topline

In your opinion, which of the following factors are important for getting ahead in the United States today?

Americans say hard work matters most for getting ahead.

Respondents could select more than one option, so shares may sum to more than 100%.

- Hard work: 65.2%
- Growing up in a wealthy family: 46.5%
- Luck: 34.5%
- Natural talent: 31.5%
- Race or ethnicity: 25.2%
- None of the above: 4.4%

## 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: 2026-03-06 → 2026-03-16
- 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

## Source

- Canonical question URL: [https://reports.verasight.io/r/omnibus-2026-044#q-4-25](https://reports.verasight.io/r/omnibus-2026-044#q-4-25)

## Citation

Verasight Client Omnibus Survey #2026-044, fielded March 6-16, 2026, N=1,000 US adults age 18+, +/- 3.6%.

Canonical question URL: [https://reports.verasight.io/r/omnibus-2026-044#q-4-25](https://reports.verasight.io/r/omnibus-2026-044#q-4-25)