The poll, conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates for the Center for State and Local Government Excellence, surveyed 1,200 adults. Respondents were given a list of 15 benefits and characteristics considered important in choosing a job.

Respondents ranked "The health insurance plan" as the most important job benefit, with 84 percent deeming it "very important." "Having job security" and "Being in an environment with clear policies and procedures" were tied for second, with 82 percent of respondents rating them as very important.

The rest of the top 10 characteristics were rated as follows:

4. The retirement or pension plan 76%
5. A flexible family-friendly workplace 71%
6. Getting quick decisions on issues at work 69%
7. Working with talented managers 68%
8. (tie) Having the potential for promotions 66%
8. Being creative and intellectually stimulated 66%
10. How much one is paid, the total compensation 65%

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That's right--according to the poll, Americans rated pay as only the 10th most important job characteristic--below benefits such as "Getting quick decisions on issues" and "Working with talented managers"!

According to a press release from the Center for State and Local Government Excellence, respondents were divided on whether state and local government jobs or jobs in the private sector offered the best compensation. Respondents reported that government jobs offered better benefits and job security, while private sector jobs offered better opportunities for innovation and better opportunities for promotion.

Source: Center for State and Local Government Excellence