Sex Work 101

These lists are from the website of Tucson area’s branch of the Sex Worker Outreach Project, which also has some other great 101 information about sex work. Though the website defines “sex worker” broadly like we have here, many of these points apply mostly to middle-class escorts. Experiences vary widely!

What Are the Advantages of Sex Work?
Money. Prices range from $250-400+ per hour for internet escorts to $50-$100 per act for street workers.

Independence. Unless you work for an agency, you are your own boss. You set your own hours, rates, and rules.

Pursuit of Dreams. Since you can make $1000 per week by only working four hours, you have the freedom to pursue priorities that meaningful to you: family, school, creative endeavors, etc.

Personal Empowerment. It’s extremely empowering for a woman in today’s society to earn high dollar wages without the expense of a high dollar education. It’s also empowering to enjoy sexual freedom without the baggage of societal standards that don’t necessarily apply to the way you define your own sexuality.

Community. The sex worker community is very supportive of each other. We’re family! We look out for each other: we have an intricate system of communication to alert each other of bad clients and possible legal entrapments; we gather together at SWOP meetings and events; and we’re happy to share clients with each other.

What Are the Disadvantages?
Criminalization & Legal exposure. It’s illegal to be a sex worker in America except for certain places in Nevada [editor’s note: it’s illegal to practice sex for money, but there are many kinds of sex work that are perfectly legal]. In Arizona, if you get convicted of prostitution (misdemeanor charge), you face mandatory jail time - including a six month prison sentence and a Class 5 felony upon a fourth offense! However, there are security precautions you can take to avoid getting busted; for instance, most newspaper and internet escorts don’t see clients who haven’t been pre-screened.

Social stigma. Sex workers are notoriously maligned in our culture. We dream of the day when sex work is widely perceived as an honorable, important and vital contribution to the emotional, physical and mental health of both the sex workers and the clients.

Workplace Safety. Whether it’s on the streets, in our homes or in five star resorts, the fact is that sex workers do not enjoy the same rights as other Americans when it comes to their work (which by the way, is a PRIVATE and CONSENSUAL act between two adults.) Because we are criminalized and stigmatized, we are vulnerable to violence and exploitation.

Street workers have a higher chance of running into clients who may rob or harm them. Internet escorting tends to be much safer, however, since clients must pass a rigorous screening process in order to be seen.

Burn out. Sex workers are prone to burn out like everyone else, but there are steps you can take to keep yourself healthy and safe.

Competition. Just like any other business where top dollar earnings are at stake, the competition can be fierce in certain cities. But fear not: there’s a niche market for every type of sex worker.