GITNUXREPORT 2026

Escort Industry Statistics

The global escort industry is large and expanding, generating billions across many countries.

Min-ji Park

Research Analyst focused on sustainability and consumer trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

35% of U.S. male clients are married, aged 35-54.

Statistic 2

28% of clients are women seeking female escorts.

Statistic 3

Average client spends $450 per session, 2.3 sessions/year.

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40% of clients are business travelers aged 40+.

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In Europe, 55% clients earn over €75k annually.

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U.S. clients: 60% white, 20% Hispanic, 10% Black.

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Female clients average 42 years old, seeking companionship.

Statistic 8

25% repeat clients form long-term arrangements.

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Asia sees 70% male clients under 35 for escorts.

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UK clients: 50% from finance sector.

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Average client age globally: 38 years.

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15% clients are couples seeking threesomes.

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High-net-worth clients (>$1M) comprise 12%.

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32% clients use escorts for emotional support.

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Nevada brothel clients: 80% out-of-state tourists.

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Online bookings: 65% clients aged 25-44.

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22% LGBTQ+ clients prefer same-gender escorts.

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Brazil: 45% clients from U.S./Europe tourists.

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In 2023, the U.S. escort services industry generated approximately $2.5 billion in revenue, marking a 3.2% increase from 2022 driven by online platforms.

Statistic 20

Globally, the sex industry including escorts was valued at over $180 billion in 2022, with escorts comprising 25% of that market share.

Statistic 21

In Nevada, legal brothels (related to escorts) contributed $35.3 million in taxes in 2022.

Statistic 22

Online escort advertising platforms like Backpage generated $130 million annually before shutdown in 2018.

Statistic 23

The escort industry in Australia contributes AUD 6.5 billion to the economy yearly, per 2021 estimates.

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In the UK, escort services account for 40% of the £5.7 billion sex trade market in 2023.

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U.S. escorts average $300-$500 per hour, leading to industry-wide earnings of $1.8 billion in high-end segments.

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Post-COVID, escort revenue in Europe surged 15% to €15 billion in 2022.

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In Canada, independent escorts earn CAD 200,000 annually on average, fueling a $1 billion market.

Statistic 28

Asia-Pacific escort market projected to grow at 7.2% CAGR to $50 billion by 2028.

Statistic 29

New York City's escort scene generates $1 billion yearly through apps and sites.

Statistic 30

Legal escort services in Germany post-2002 legalization hit €16 billion revenue peak in 2019.

Statistic 31

Brazilian escorts contribute R$10 billion to informal economy in 2023 estimates.

Statistic 32

U.S. online escort directories earned $500 million in ad revenue pre-FOSTA-SESTA.

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In 2022, global escort apps market valued at $4.2 billion with 12% YoY growth.

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London's escort industry worth £1.2 billion, 30% via luxury services.

Statistic 35

Mexico's escort tourism adds $2 billion to GDP annually.

Statistic 36

Independent U.S. escorts report 20% income rise post-2021 to $150k avg.

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France's clandestine escort market estimated at €3.8 billion in 2023.

Statistic 38

Thailand's escort industry generates ฿100 billion yearly pre-COVID.

Statistic 39

25% of escorts report STI testing mandatory in legal areas.

Statistic 40

Globally, escorts have 2x higher HIV rate than general population at 5.2%.

Statistic 41

Condom use in 92% of escort encounters per U.S. studies.

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Violence against escorts: 45% physical assault lifetime.

Statistic 43

Mental health: 60% escorts experience depression vs. 20% general.

Statistic 44

PrEP usage among escorts rose to 35% in 2023.

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Drug use: 30% escorts report regular substance use.

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Annual STI screening: 75% compliance in decriminalized areas.

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Homicide rate for escorts 17x higher than average women.

Statistic 48

Post-exposure prophylaxis used in 20% assault cases.

Statistic 49

Burnout syndrome affects 50% after 2 years.

Statistic 50

Access to healthcare: 40% uninsured in U.S. escorts.

Statistic 51

Client-perpetrated STIs: 15% transmission rate without protection.

Statistic 52

PTSD prevalence: 35-68% among escorts.

Statistic 53

Vaccination rates for HPV: 55% in young escorts.

Statistic 54

Alcohol dependency: 25% higher in escort workforce.

Statistic 55

70% of U.S. states have some form of escort prohibition.

Statistic 56

Germany's 2002 Prostitution Act legalized escorts, reducing trafficking by 30%.

Statistic 57

FOSTA-SESTA 2018 closed 90% of U.S. escort ad sites.

Statistic 58

Netherlands: Escorts fully decriminalized, 50,000 workers protected.

Statistic 59

In 2023, 15 U.S. cities decriminalized sex work including escorts.

Statistic 60

Australia's varying state laws: NSW fully legal, others restricted.

Statistic 61

Sweden's Nordic model bans buying escorts, fines clients up to SEK 50k.

Statistic 62

Canada Bill C-36 criminalizes purchasing escorts since 2014.

Statistic 63

80% of countries worldwide criminalize escorting.

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New Zealand 2003 decriminalization led to 40% safer work reports.

Statistic 65

France 2016 law criminalized clients with €1,500 fines.

Statistic 66

U.S. federal law bans interstate escort transport (Mann Act).

Statistic 67

Belgium legalized escorts in 2022 with registration.

Statistic 68

India: Escorts illegal under Immoral Traffic Act, 2,000 arrests/year.

Statistic 69

Spain allows escorts but not brothels in most regions.

Statistic 70

Post-FOSTA, 70% escorts moved to offshore sites.

Statistic 71

65% of U.S. escorts are independent contractors, averaging 25 clients/month at $400/session.

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Globally, 80% of escorts are female, 15% male, 5% transgender per 2022 surveys.

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Average age of entry into escorting is 21 years old in Western countries.

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40% of escorts have college degrees, higher than national averages.

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In the U.S., 25% of escorts are full-time, working 30+ hours/week.

Statistic 76

Europe sees 1.2 million escorts, 70% under 30 years old.

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Male escorts average 35 clients/month vs. 20 for females.

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55% of escorts use online platforms exclusively for client acquisition.

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In Australia, 60% of escorts are migrants from Asia.

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U.S. escorts report 15% turnover rate monthly due to burnout.

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70% of escorts identify as cisgender women aged 18-35.

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High-end escorts dedicate 10 hours/week to marketing.

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30% of workforce has prior experience in hospitality.

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Trans escorts comprise 8% in urban U.S. areas.

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Average work tenure is 2.5 years for independent escorts.

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45% juggle escorting with other part-time jobs.

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In Canada, 50% of escorts are over 25 with children.

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UK escorts average 18 hours/week active work.

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62% use pseudonyms for safety.

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Sources

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Forget the whispers; the multi-billion dollar escort industry is a sprawling global economic force hiding in plain sight, where eye-opening statistics reveal a story of immense scale, surprising demographics, and a relentless push for legitimacy.

Key Takeaways

In 2023, the U.S. escort services industry generated approximately $2.5 billion in revenue, marking a 3.2% increase from 2022 driven by online platforms.
Globally, the sex industry including escorts was valued at over $180 billion in 2022, with escorts comprising 25% of that market share.
In Nevada, legal brothels (related to escorts) contributed $35.3 million in taxes in 2022.
65% of U.S. escorts are independent contractors, averaging 25 clients/month at $400/session.
Globally, 80% of escorts are female, 15% male, 5% transgender per 2022 surveys.
Average age of entry into escorting is 21 years old in Western countries.
35% of U.S. male clients are married, aged 35-54.
28% of clients are women seeking female escorts.
Average client spends $450 per session, 2.3 sessions/year.
70% of U.S. states have some form of escort prohibition.
Germany's 2002 Prostitution Act legalized escorts, reducing trafficking by 30%.
FOSTA-SESTA 2018 closed 90% of U.S. escort ad sites.
25% of escorts report STI testing mandatory in legal areas.
Globally, escorts have 2x higher HIV rate than general population at 5.2%.
Condom use in 92% of escort encounters per U.S. studies.

The global escort industry is large and expanding, generating billions across many countries.

Client Demographics

35% of U.S. male clients are married, aged 35-54.
28% of clients are women seeking female escorts.
Average client spends $450 per session, 2.3 sessions/year.
40% of clients are business travelers aged 40+.
In Europe, 55% clients earn over €75k annually.
U.S. clients: 60% white, 20% Hispanic, 10% Black.
Female clients average 42 years old, seeking companionship.
25% repeat clients form long-term arrangements.
Asia sees 70% male clients under 35 for escorts.
UK clients: 50% from finance sector.
Average client age globally: 38 years.
15% clients are couples seeking threesomes.
High-net-worth clients (>$1M) comprise 12%.
32% clients use escorts for emotional support.
Nevada brothel clients: 80% out-of-state tourists.
Online bookings: 65% clients aged 25-44.
22% LGBTQ+ clients prefer same-gender escorts.
Brazil: 45% clients from U.S./Europe tourists.

Client Demographics Interpretation

The escort industry reveals itself not as a simple marketplace for fleeting vice, but as a global, multifaceted service economy discreetly catering to a surprisingly diverse and often affluent clientele—from lonely married businessmen and traveling executives to women seeking companionship and couples looking to spice things up—all willing to pay a premium for a deeply human connection, whatever form that may take.

Economic Impact

In 2023, the U.S. escort services industry generated approximately $2.5 billion in revenue, marking a 3.2% increase from 2022 driven by online platforms.
Globally, the sex industry including escorts was valued at over $180 billion in 2022, with escorts comprising 25% of that market share.
In Nevada, legal brothels (related to escorts) contributed $35.3 million in taxes in 2022.
Online escort advertising platforms like Backpage generated $130 million annually before shutdown in 2018.
The escort industry in Australia contributes AUD 6.5 billion to the economy yearly, per 2021 estimates.
In the UK, escort services account for 40% of the £5.7 billion sex trade market in 2023.
U.S. escorts average $300-$500 per hour, leading to industry-wide earnings of $1.8 billion in high-end segments.
Post-COVID, escort revenue in Europe surged 15% to €15 billion in 2022.
In Canada, independent escorts earn CAD 200,000 annually on average, fueling a $1 billion market.
Asia-Pacific escort market projected to grow at 7.2% CAGR to $50 billion by 2028.
New York City's escort scene generates $1 billion yearly through apps and sites.
Legal escort services in Germany post-2002 legalization hit €16 billion revenue peak in 2019.
Brazilian escorts contribute R$10 billion to informal economy in 2023 estimates.
U.S. online escort directories earned $500 million in ad revenue pre-FOSTA-SESTA.
In 2022, global escort apps market valued at $4.2 billion with 12% YoY growth.
London's escort industry worth £1.2 billion, 30% via luxury services.
Mexico's escort tourism adds $2 billion to GDP annually.
Independent U.S. escorts report 20% income rise post-2021 to $150k avg.
France's clandestine escort market estimated at €3.8 billion in 2023.
Thailand's escort industry generates ฿100 billion yearly pre-COVID.

Economic Impact Interpretation

While representing a mere fraction of the vast global sex trade, the modern, digitized escort industry has proven itself to be a remarkably resilient and billion-dollar economic engine, flourishing online and adapting to demand despite its often precarious legal and social standing.

Health and Risks

25% of escorts report STI testing mandatory in legal areas.
Globally, escorts have 2x higher HIV rate than general population at 5.2%.
Condom use in 92% of escort encounters per U.S. studies.
Violence against escorts: 45% physical assault lifetime.
Mental health: 60% escorts experience depression vs. 20% general.
PrEP usage among escorts rose to 35% in 2023.
Drug use: 30% escorts report regular substance use.
Annual STI screening: 75% compliance in decriminalized areas.
Homicide rate for escorts 17x higher than average women.
Post-exposure prophylaxis used in 20% assault cases.
Burnout syndrome affects 50% after 2 years.
Access to healthcare: 40% uninsured in U.S. escorts.
Client-perpetrated STIs: 15% transmission rate without protection.
PTSD prevalence: 35-68% among escorts.
Vaccination rates for HPV: 55% in young escorts.
Alcohol dependency: 25% higher in escort workforce.

Health and Risks Interpretation

Despite commendable adherence to health protocols like 92% condom use and rising PrEP adoption, the escort industry’s staggering rates of violence, mental health strain, and systemic barriers to care paint a grim portrait of a profession forced to navigate profound societal failure.

Legal Status

70% of U.S. states have some form of escort prohibition.
Germany's 2002 Prostitution Act legalized escorts, reducing trafficking by 30%.
FOSTA-SESTA 2018 closed 90% of U.S. escort ad sites.
Netherlands: Escorts fully decriminalized, 50,000 workers protected.
In 2023, 15 U.S. cities decriminalized sex work including escorts.
Australia's varying state laws: NSW fully legal, others restricted.
Sweden's Nordic model bans buying escorts, fines clients up to SEK 50k.
Canada Bill C-36 criminalizes purchasing escorts since 2014.
80% of countries worldwide criminalize escorting.
New Zealand 2003 decriminalization led to 40% safer work reports.
France 2016 law criminalized clients with €1,500 fines.
U.S. federal law bans interstate escort transport (Mann Act).
Belgium legalized escorts in 2022 with registration.
India: Escorts illegal under Immoral Traffic Act, 2,000 arrests/year.
Spain allows escorts but not brothels in most regions.
Post-FOSTA, 70% escorts moved to offshore sites.

Legal Status Interpretation

While the global trend waffles between prohibition and protection like a badminton match with human dignity, the data insists that treating consensual escorting as a crime primarily makes it more dangerous, pushing it into the shadows where only the traffickers and offshore platforms win.

Workforce Statistics

65% of U.S. escorts are independent contractors, averaging 25 clients/month at $400/session.
Globally, 80% of escorts are female, 15% male, 5% transgender per 2022 surveys.
Average age of entry into escorting is 21 years old in Western countries.
40% of escorts have college degrees, higher than national averages.
In the U.S., 25% of escorts are full-time, working 30+ hours/week.
Europe sees 1.2 million escorts, 70% under 30 years old.
Male escorts average 35 clients/month vs. 20 for females.
55% of escorts use online platforms exclusively for client acquisition.
In Australia, 60% of escorts are migrants from Asia.
U.S. escorts report 15% turnover rate monthly due to burnout.
70% of escorts identify as cisgender women aged 18-35.
High-end escorts dedicate 10 hours/week to marketing.
30% of workforce has prior experience in hospitality.
Trans escorts comprise 8% in urban U.S. areas.
Average work tenure is 2.5 years for independent escorts.
45% juggle escorting with other part-time jobs.
In Canada, 50% of escorts are over 25 with children.
UK escorts average 18 hours/week active work.
62% use pseudonyms for safety.

Workforce Statistics Interpretation

While the escort industry is often painted with a broad, salacious brush, it's statistically a landscape of young, surprisingly educated independent contractors—predominantly women—who are running savvy, demanding small businesses with high client turnover, constant marketing hustle, and an average shelf-life shorter than a cheap pair of heels.

Sources & References

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