A survey of 27 galactic star-forming regions in the 6 K −5 K , 5 K − 4 K , and 8 K − 7 K CH 3 CN lines at 110, 92, and 147 GHz, respectively, was made. Twenty-five sources were detected at 110 GHz, nineteen at 92 GHz, and three at 147 GHz. The strongest CH 3 CN emission arise in hot cores in the regions of massive star formation. CH 3 CN abundance in these objects is larger than 10 −9 due to grain mantle evaporation. Weaker CH 3 CN lines were found in a number of sources. They may arise either in warm (30-50 K) dense (10 5 -10 7 cm −3 ) clouds, or in hot regions accompanied by colder gas.