Contrary to popular belief, not every teen or twenty-something wants the 9-to-5 office job and its salaried pay. In fact, according to a recent survey, 40 percent of 18-29 year olds see themselves as a career hourly worker. That's virtually tied with the 41 percent who consider themselves a career salaried worker.

And while 40 percent of young Americans recognize that they are or intend to be career hourly employees, the reality is likely higher: The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 59 percent of working Americans are paid by the hour.

This newly defined segment of the workforce - which SnagAJob.com, a Web site for hourly jobs has dubbed "new collar after commissioning the June survey - represents approximately 20 million young Americans who envision themselves as hourly workers for their entire working life.

"This data shows that young Americans are indeed focused on hourly jobs for their career, a path that compares equally to salaried work in offering rewarding and long-term work, said Shawn Boyer, CEO of SnagAJob.com. "America's hourly workforce is extremely diversified - from retail managers and mechanics to nurses and call-center operators - and it's refreshing to see that the generation that will propel our country's growth in the coming years truly desires these opportunities.

Most new-collar workers choose careers in retail, customer service and healthcare. They are generally positive about their jobs: 37 percent described themselves as "happy and another 16 percent said they are "fulfilled by their careers. Much of their satisfaction comes from their coworkers, whom they ranked more important than pay, official benefits and interaction with customers. Thirty percent said that the best thing about their current jobs were the people working with them.

Earning a college degree does to some extent portend whether or not young Americans anticipate a salaried or hourly career. Of those ages 18-29 years old who have not attained a college degree, more expect to be a career hourly worker (48 percent), according to the survey. Of those with degrees, 62 percent identify with being a salaried employee. Yet, one quarter who have graduated from college are career hourly workers or intend to follow that career path.

Since new-collar workers are committing to an hourly position for the long term, employers who offer a friendly work environment and focus on retention are likely to benefit the most from this nationwide trend, Boyer suggests.