Abstract: ObjectiveTo explore the preference for different working motivations and influencing factors of the preference among rural health workers.MethodsTotally 213 health workers from township health centers and 251 health workers from village clinics in two counties with different economic development were investigated with a selfdesigned questionnaire.ResultsThe participants showed different preferences for various working motivations.Material condition was the most important motivator among the participants with a mean factor value of 4.10,followed by the need for management and promotion(mean factor value=3.87)and the preference for social environment(mean factor value=3.52).ConclusionFinancial incentive,which could satisfy the need for material condition,is effective for improving working performance and non-financial incentives,such as self-development,good management,and social environments,are also important working motivations among rural health workers.