GITNUXREPORT 2025

Hr In The Sex Industry Statistics

Sex workers face violence, stigma, legal issues, health risks, high turnover.

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Statistic 1

Approximately 80% of sex workers in the industry are women

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Around 45% of sex workers are aged between 35 and 49 years old

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The majority of sex workers work full-time, with estimates suggesting 65%

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In certain regions, up to 30% of sex workers have unstable housing situations

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The highest concentration of sex workers is in urban areas, with estimates suggesting up to 75%

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The average age of entry into sex work varies by region, but globally it is estimated at 17 years old

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25% of sex workers globally are migrants, increasing their vulnerability to exploitation

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Approximately 90% of sex work-related arrests globally are of women, often for solicitation or loitering

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The proportion of sex workers who have children varies, but estimates suggest about 35%, facing unique challenges related to family and safety

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Research indicates that women in the sex industry often work multiple jobs to sustain their income, with some working in more than one sector simultaneously

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An estimated 68% of sex workers have worked in the industry for less than 5 years, indicating high turnover rates

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About 70% of sex workers report experiencing discrimination and stigma

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An estimated 58% of sex workers lack access to regular healthcare

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Approximately 40% of sex workers report using illegal drugs, often as a coping mechanism

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Around 35% of sex workers have experienced harassment or threats online

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The percentage of sex workers with access to legal protection varies widely, with estimates around 30-40% in many regions

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In a study, 55% of sex workers reported experiencing mental health issues, including depression and anxiety, due to stigma and violence

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About 25% of sex workers report using health services regularly, often hindered by legal and social barriers

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The rate of HIV infection among sex workers is estimated at around 5-10% globally, with higher rates in certain regions like Sub-Saharan Africa

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In countries where sex work is criminalized, over 70% of sex workers hide their occupation from family and friends, increasing isolation

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Approximately 65% of sex workers do not use condoms consistently, increasing health risks

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Approximately 10-15% of sex workers have access to formal health insurance coverage, limiting their healthcare options

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Around 40% of sex workers face difficulties in obtaining legal identification or documentation, affecting their access to services

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The percentage of sex workers with access to social support networks varies, but estimates suggest around 25-30%, often insufficient for their needs

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Approximately 70% of sex workers report feeling unsafe during interactions with law enforcement, often due to corruption or misconduct

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Approximately 33% of sex workers experience depressive symptoms, often linked to social stigma and violence

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An estimated 10% of sex workers report taking part in union or advocacy groups to improve their working conditions

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The proportion of sex workers who do not disclose their occupation to healthcare providers is around 60%, hindering access to appropriate services

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Around 40% of sex workers in certain countries have limited legal rights, making them vulnerable to criminalization and abuse

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The sex industry's global revenue is estimated to be over $186 billion annually

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An estimated 1 million people are involved in the global sex trade

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About 85% of sex workers work independently or on their own

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In some countries, sex work accounts for over 10% of the informal economy

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The demand for sex work services increases during economic downturns, with a 15-20% rise observed during recessions

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The median hourly earnings of sex workers range widely, with estimates between $30 and $80 USD, depending on location and services

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The use of digital platforms has increased by over 200% in the last decade among sex workers for client solicitation

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Data indicates that around 15% of sex workers are involved in online sex work exclusively, utilizing platforms like OnlyFans and ManyVids

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Approximately 60% of sex workers experience physical violence from clients at some point in their careers

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The recruitment of minors into sex work accounts for approximately 10-20% of cases globally

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Approximately 50% of sex workers experience at least one form of coercion or forced work during their careers

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Approximately 20% of sex workers report having experienced physical injury due to violence at some point

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More than 60% of sex workers worldwide have experienced some form of legal persecution, including arrests and detention

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About 15% of sex workers are involved in trafficking or forced work, often due to economic vulnerabilities

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Approximately 50% of sex workers globally experience some form of sexual violence during their careers, either from clients or partners

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In regions where sex work is decriminalized, instances of violence against sex workers tend to decrease by up to 40%, aiding their safety and legal protection

Statistic 46

Around 22% of sex workers globally have experienced homelessness at some point during their careers, increasing their vulnerability to exploitation

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In some areas, the use of encrypted messaging apps for solicitation has increased by over 300% in the past 5 years, providing both safety and anonymity

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The average life expectancy of sex workers in some regions is significantly lower than the national average, often due to violence, health issues, and stigma

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Key Highlights

Approximately 80% of sex workers in the industry are women
The sex industry's global revenue is estimated to be over $186 billion annually
An estimated 1 million people are involved in the global sex trade
Around 45% of sex workers are aged between 35 and 49 years old
Approximately 60% of sex workers experience physical violence from clients at some point in their careers
About 70% of sex workers report experiencing discrimination and stigma
The majority of sex workers work full-time, with estimates suggesting 65%
An estimated 58% of sex workers lack access to regular healthcare
The recruitment of minors into sex work accounts for approximately 10-20% of cases globally
About 85% of sex workers work independently or on their own
In certain regions, up to 30% of sex workers have unstable housing situations
The highest concentration of sex workers is in urban areas, with estimates suggesting up to 75%
Approximately 50% of sex workers experience at least one form of coercion or forced work during their careers

Behind closed doors and hidden from society’s gaze lies an industry worth over $186 billion annually, but beneath the revenue and statistics lies a complex web of risks, discrimination, and resilience for the estimated one million people involved—predominantly women—who navigate violence, legal battles, and health challenges every day.

Demographics and Client Profiles

Approximately 80% of sex workers in the industry are women
Around 45% of sex workers are aged between 35 and 49 years old
The majority of sex workers work full-time, with estimates suggesting 65%
In certain regions, up to 30% of sex workers have unstable housing situations
The highest concentration of sex workers is in urban areas, with estimates suggesting up to 75%
The average age of entry into sex work varies by region, but globally it is estimated at 17 years old
25% of sex workers globally are migrants, increasing their vulnerability to exploitation
Approximately 90% of sex work-related arrests globally are of women, often for solicitation or loitering
The proportion of sex workers who have children varies, but estimates suggest about 35%, facing unique challenges related to family and safety
Research indicates that women in the sex industry often work multiple jobs to sustain their income, with some working in more than one sector simultaneously
An estimated 68% of sex workers have worked in the industry for less than 5 years, indicating high turnover rates

Demographics and Client Profiles Interpretation

Despite comprising the majority and working full-time in urban centers from a young age, women in the sex industry face disproportionate legal and social vulnerabilities, including arrest rates, housing instability, and family challenges, highlighting a pressing need for comprehensive support and reform.

Health, Safety, and Legal Challenges

About 70% of sex workers report experiencing discrimination and stigma
An estimated 58% of sex workers lack access to regular healthcare
Approximately 40% of sex workers report using illegal drugs, often as a coping mechanism
Around 35% of sex workers have experienced harassment or threats online
The percentage of sex workers with access to legal protection varies widely, with estimates around 30-40% in many regions
In a study, 55% of sex workers reported experiencing mental health issues, including depression and anxiety, due to stigma and violence
About 25% of sex workers report using health services regularly, often hindered by legal and social barriers
The rate of HIV infection among sex workers is estimated at around 5-10% globally, with higher rates in certain regions like Sub-Saharan Africa
In countries where sex work is criminalized, over 70% of sex workers hide their occupation from family and friends, increasing isolation
Approximately 65% of sex workers do not use condoms consistently, increasing health risks
Approximately 10-15% of sex workers have access to formal health insurance coverage, limiting their healthcare options
Around 40% of sex workers face difficulties in obtaining legal identification or documentation, affecting their access to services
The percentage of sex workers with access to social support networks varies, but estimates suggest around 25-30%, often insufficient for their needs
Approximately 70% of sex workers report feeling unsafe during interactions with law enforcement, often due to corruption or misconduct
Approximately 33% of sex workers experience depressive symptoms, often linked to social stigma and violence
An estimated 10% of sex workers report taking part in union or advocacy groups to improve their working conditions
The proportion of sex workers who do not disclose their occupation to healthcare providers is around 60%, hindering access to appropriate services
Around 40% of sex workers in certain countries have limited legal rights, making them vulnerable to criminalization and abuse

Health, Safety, and Legal Challenges Interpretation

Despite constituting a vital labor force, sex workers worldwide face a staggering convergence of stigma, legal barriers, and health disparities—highlighting that supporting their rights and well-being isn't just compassionate but essential for public health and social justice.

Industry Overview and Economic Impact

The sex industry's global revenue is estimated to be over $186 billion annually
An estimated 1 million people are involved in the global sex trade
About 85% of sex workers work independently or on their own
In some countries, sex work accounts for over 10% of the informal economy
The demand for sex work services increases during economic downturns, with a 15-20% rise observed during recessions
The median hourly earnings of sex workers range widely, with estimates between $30 and $80 USD, depending on location and services

Industry Overview and Economic Impact Interpretation

With a staggering $186 billion in global revenue and millions involved—most working independently—sex work emerges not only as a significant economic force, often surging during downturns, but also as a reminder that even in the shadows of the economy, demand and earning potential thrive in a surprisingly resilient industry.

Technology and Digital Platforms

The use of digital platforms has increased by over 200% in the last decade among sex workers for client solicitation
Data indicates that around 15% of sex workers are involved in online sex work exclusively, utilizing platforms like OnlyFans and ManyVids

Technology and Digital Platforms Interpretation

The exponential rise of over 200% in digital platform usage among sex workers over the past decade, with 15% now operating exclusively online through tools like OnlyFans and ManyVids, underscores a transformative shift—highlighting how technology is redefining both agency and industry in the modern sex economy.

Violence, Exploitation, and Human Trafficking

Approximately 60% of sex workers experience physical violence from clients at some point in their careers
The recruitment of minors into sex work accounts for approximately 10-20% of cases globally
Approximately 50% of sex workers experience at least one form of coercion or forced work during their careers
Approximately 20% of sex workers report having experienced physical injury due to violence at some point
More than 60% of sex workers worldwide have experienced some form of legal persecution, including arrests and detention
About 15% of sex workers are involved in trafficking or forced work, often due to economic vulnerabilities
Approximately 50% of sex workers globally experience some form of sexual violence during their careers, either from clients or partners
In regions where sex work is decriminalized, instances of violence against sex workers tend to decrease by up to 40%, aiding their safety and legal protection
Around 22% of sex workers globally have experienced homelessness at some point during their careers, increasing their vulnerability to exploitation
In some areas, the use of encrypted messaging apps for solicitation has increased by over 300% in the past 5 years, providing both safety and anonymity
The average life expectancy of sex workers in some regions is significantly lower than the national average, often due to violence, health issues, and stigma

Violence, Exploitation, and Human Trafficking Interpretation

These grim statistics illuminate a stark reality: despite the complex tapestry of their lives, sex workers often navigate violence, coercion, and legal peril—highlighting the urgent need for decriminalization, protections, and societal change to turn these numbers into stories of safety and dignity.