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Health insurance and job security are at the top of Americans’ list of desired characteristics in a job, while pay ranked much lower, according to a new poll. The national poll, conducted by Princeton Survey Research Associates for the Center for State and Local Government Excellence, surveyed 1,200 adults age 18 and older.

Whether security comes from health insurance, job security, the promise of a retirement income, or clear work policies, Americans want a lot more than just a paycheck from their employment.

Given a list of 15 benefits and characteristics that may be important in choosing a job:

• 84 percent of Americans ranked health insurance at the very top.
• Job security and clear policies and procedures (82 percent each) were ranked next in importance; the retirement or pension plan (76 percent); and a flexible, family-friendly workplace in fifth place (71 percent).
• Pay ranked tenth with 65 percent, trailing such matters as getting quick decisions on issues (69 percent); working with talented managers (68 percent); having the potential for promotions (66 percent); and being creative and intellectually stimulated (66 percent).

One way to improve your job security is to start your own business, or at least have a side job. That puts some control back in your hands, rather than at the whim of your managers. However, paying for health insurance on your own can be daunting.

What’s most important to you?