GITNUXREPORT 2025

Sex Work Statistics

Global sex work affects millions with significant violence, stigma, and health risks.

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 85% of sex workers report having HIV testing at least once in their lifetime

Statistic 2

An estimated 3 million people worldwide are engaged in sex work

Statistic 3

Approximately 70% of sex workers worldwide are women

Statistic 4

In the United States, the estimated number of sex workers ranges from 1 million to 4 million

Statistic 5

Around 60% of sex workers are involved in street-based work

Statistic 6

The average age of entry into sex work is approximately 17 years old

Statistic 7

The majority of sex workers experience discrimination, with 65-85% reporting social stigma

Statistic 8

Approximately 50% of sex workers are foreign-born in European countries

Statistic 9

The median age of sex workers in North America is around 33 years old

Statistic 10

Around 10-15% of sex workers in the US are under the age of 18, sources vary, but estimates highlight underage involvement

Statistic 11

Approximately 40% of sex workers globally are migrants, facing additional vulnerabilities

Statistic 12

The proportion of sex workers who use clients’ financial compensation to support family varies, with estimates around 50%

Statistic 13

The convergence of poverty and gender inequality increases vulnerability among women to enter sex work, especially in developing countries

Statistic 14

In some regions of the world, such as parts of Africa and Southeast Asia, sex work is a primary source of income for up to 20% of women

Statistic 15

Sex trafficking is a significant concern, with estimates that over 4 million people are victims globally, with women and children disproportionately affected

Statistic 16

The global sex industry employs an estimated 40 million people, including those in legal and illegal sectors

Statistic 17

A significant number of sex workers are also involved in non-sex work employment, but precise figures vary by region, estimated around 30-50%

Statistic 18

Around 70% of Latin American sex workers operate in urban areas, where demand and competition are higher

Statistic 19

In African countries, some regions see up to 30% of women involved in sex work as a primary source of income, often due to extreme poverty

Statistic 20

A significant proportion of sex workers have had a history of childhood abuse, with estimates around 50-70%

Statistic 21

In the United States, approximately 70% of sex workers experience substance abuse issues, often linked to trauma and exploitation

Statistic 22

The rate of HIV transmission from infected sex workers to clients is estimated at approximately 1-3% per sexual encounter

Statistic 23

The majority of sex workers report experiencing mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, often associated with violence and stigma

Statistic 24

In certain Asian countries, about 15-20% of sex workers are under the influence of substance abuse, which exacerbates health risks

Statistic 25

About 80% of sex workers globally have experienced violence or exploitation

Statistic 26

38% of sex workers report using condoms consistently

Statistic 27

Approximately 25% of sex workers in some regions are HIV positive

Statistic 28

Legalization of sex work in New Zealand in 2003 has led to improved health and safety outcomes for sex workers

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The prevalence of violence against sex workers can be as high as 75% in certain regions like Latin America and Asia

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The percentage of sex workers who experience police harassment varies but can reach up to 80% in some countries

Statistic 31

The average lifespan of a sex worker in Kenya is estimated to be around 35 years due to violence, disease, and exploitation

Statistic 32

HIV prevalence among sex workers in sub-Saharan Africa is around 26%, significantly higher than the general population

Statistic 33

In some parts of Europe, HIV rates among sex workers are decreasing due to targeted health interventions, with rates below 5%

Statistic 34

The majority of sex workers globally do not have access to health services, with estimates around 80%, due to stigma and legal barriers

Statistic 35

The estimated number of transgender sex workers worldwide is less than 1% of the total sex worker population but faces higher levels of violence and discrimination

Statistic 36

In Thailand, over 80% of sex workers report exposure to violence and unsafe working conditions, often due to lack of legal protections

Statistic 37

Data suggests that in some areas, up to 90% of sex workers are unaware of their legal rights or health resources available to them

Statistic 38

The proportion of sex workers with access to legal health clinics is less than 25% in many developing countries, due to systemic barriers

Statistic 39

Programs focusing on decriminalization and health services have been shown to reduce HIV prevalence among sex workers by approximately 20-40%, depending on the region

Statistic 40

In Australia, the commercial sex industry contributes approximately AUD 2 billion annually to the economy

Statistic 41

The average hourly income for sex workers varies widely but can range from $20 to $150 per hour depending on location and type of work

Statistic 42

The sex industry is responsible for approximately 3-5% of the global GDP

Statistic 43

About 60% of sex workers report working more than 50 hours a week

Statistic 44

In Thailand, the sex industry contributes approximately 250 billion baht annually, roughly 7 billion USD

Statistic 45

In Latin America, street-based sex work accounts for about 70% of the industry

Statistic 46

The average annual income for sex workers in Western Europe can exceed €50,000, depending on location and specialization

Statistic 47

In the Philippines, illegal sex work remains widespread despite police crackdowns, with estimates of over 300,000 sex workers actively working

Statistic 48

The median income of sex workers in Latin America ranges from $50 to $100 per transaction, depending on the country and service provided

Statistic 49

Sex work is illegal in over 90 countries

Statistic 50

An estimated 95% of sex workers globally operate without official licenses or legal protections

Statistic 51

In some countries, sex work is decriminalized, leading to a 40% decrease in violence against sex workers

Statistic 52

About 70% of sex workers want to exit the industry but face legal and social barriers

Statistic 53

In Europe, Scandinavian countries like Sweden and Norway criminalize clients rather than sex workers, resulting in decreased street prostitution

Statistic 54

In India, sex work is largely underground, with estimates suggesting approximately 2 million sex workers, many of whom face criminal prosecution

Statistic 55

In certain US states, commercial sex acts are decriminalized, resulting in a 30% reduction in violence and arrest rates

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Sources

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Key Highlights

An estimated 3 million people worldwide are engaged in sex work
Approximately 70% of sex workers worldwide are women
In the United States, the estimated number of sex workers ranges from 1 million to 4 million
About 80% of sex workers globally have experienced violence or exploitation
Around 60% of sex workers are involved in street-based work
The average age of entry into sex work is approximately 17 years old
38% of sex workers report using condoms consistently
Sex work is illegal in over 90 countries
Approximately 25% of sex workers in some regions are HIV positive
The majority of sex workers experience discrimination, with 65-85% reporting social stigma
Approximately 50% of sex workers are foreign-born in European countries
In Australia, the commercial sex industry contributes approximately AUD 2 billion annually to the economy
The average hourly income for sex workers varies widely but can range from $20 to $150 per hour depending on location and type of work

With over 3 million people worldwide engaged in sex work—most of whom face violence, discrimination, and legal barriers—it’s clear that this sprawling industry remains one of the most complex and misunderstood facets of the global economy and social fabric.

Access to Services

Approximately 85% of sex workers report having HIV testing at least once in their lifetime

Access to Services Interpretation

While the fact that approximately 85% of sex workers have undergone HIV testing at least once is encouraging, it also highlights that a concerning 15% remain untested, underscoring the ongoing need for accessible and ongoing health safeguards in the industry.

Demographics and Socioeconomic Factors

An estimated 3 million people worldwide are engaged in sex work
Approximately 70% of sex workers worldwide are women
In the United States, the estimated number of sex workers ranges from 1 million to 4 million
Around 60% of sex workers are involved in street-based work
The average age of entry into sex work is approximately 17 years old
The majority of sex workers experience discrimination, with 65-85% reporting social stigma
Approximately 50% of sex workers are foreign-born in European countries
The median age of sex workers in North America is around 33 years old
Around 10-15% of sex workers in the US are under the age of 18, sources vary, but estimates highlight underage involvement
Approximately 40% of sex workers globally are migrants, facing additional vulnerabilities
The proportion of sex workers who use clients’ financial compensation to support family varies, with estimates around 50%
The convergence of poverty and gender inequality increases vulnerability among women to enter sex work, especially in developing countries
In some regions of the world, such as parts of Africa and Southeast Asia, sex work is a primary source of income for up to 20% of women
Sex trafficking is a significant concern, with estimates that over 4 million people are victims globally, with women and children disproportionately affected
The global sex industry employs an estimated 40 million people, including those in legal and illegal sectors
A significant number of sex workers are also involved in non-sex work employment, but precise figures vary by region, estimated around 30-50%
Around 70% of Latin American sex workers operate in urban areas, where demand and competition are higher
In African countries, some regions see up to 30% of women involved in sex work as a primary source of income, often due to extreme poverty

Demographics and Socioeconomic Factors Interpretation

Despite comprising an estimated 40 million globally and with millions entering or involved in sex work from ages as young as 17, the industry remains marred by social stigma, trafficking, and economic vulnerability, revealing a stark truth: behind the statistics lie stories of inequality, exploitation, and resilience that demand nuanced understanding and urgent action.

Health and Safety Risks

A significant proportion of sex workers have had a history of childhood abuse, with estimates around 50-70%
In the United States, approximately 70% of sex workers experience substance abuse issues, often linked to trauma and exploitation
The rate of HIV transmission from infected sex workers to clients is estimated at approximately 1-3% per sexual encounter
The majority of sex workers report experiencing mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety, often associated with violence and stigma
In certain Asian countries, about 15-20% of sex workers are under the influence of substance abuse, which exacerbates health risks

Health and Safety Risks Interpretation

These stark statistics reveal that behind every encounter lies a cycle of trauma, substance dependence, and health risks—underscoring the urgent need for compassionate support and systemic change rather than stigmatization.

Health and Safety Risks and Access to Services

About 80% of sex workers globally have experienced violence or exploitation
38% of sex workers report using condoms consistently
Approximately 25% of sex workers in some regions are HIV positive
Legalization of sex work in New Zealand in 2003 has led to improved health and safety outcomes for sex workers
The prevalence of violence against sex workers can be as high as 75% in certain regions like Latin America and Asia
The percentage of sex workers who experience police harassment varies but can reach up to 80% in some countries
The average lifespan of a sex worker in Kenya is estimated to be around 35 years due to violence, disease, and exploitation
HIV prevalence among sex workers in sub-Saharan Africa is around 26%, significantly higher than the general population
In some parts of Europe, HIV rates among sex workers are decreasing due to targeted health interventions, with rates below 5%
The majority of sex workers globally do not have access to health services, with estimates around 80%, due to stigma and legal barriers
The estimated number of transgender sex workers worldwide is less than 1% of the total sex worker population but faces higher levels of violence and discrimination
In Thailand, over 80% of sex workers report exposure to violence and unsafe working conditions, often due to lack of legal protections
Data suggests that in some areas, up to 90% of sex workers are unaware of their legal rights or health resources available to them
The proportion of sex workers with access to legal health clinics is less than 25% in many developing countries, due to systemic barriers
Programs focusing on decriminalization and health services have been shown to reduce HIV prevalence among sex workers by approximately 20-40%, depending on the region

Health and Safety Risks and Access to Services Interpretation

Despite legal reforms like New Zealand's decriminalization boosting health and safety, the grim reality remains that a staggering majority of sex workers worldwide face violence, exploitation, and inadequate access to essential health services, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive policy changes grounded in human rights and public health evidence.

Industry Economics and Income

In Australia, the commercial sex industry contributes approximately AUD 2 billion annually to the economy
The average hourly income for sex workers varies widely but can range from $20 to $150 per hour depending on location and type of work
The sex industry is responsible for approximately 3-5% of the global GDP
About 60% of sex workers report working more than 50 hours a week
In Thailand, the sex industry contributes approximately 250 billion baht annually, roughly 7 billion USD
In Latin America, street-based sex work accounts for about 70% of the industry
The average annual income for sex workers in Western Europe can exceed €50,000, depending on location and specialization
In the Philippines, illegal sex work remains widespread despite police crackdowns, with estimates of over 300,000 sex workers actively working
The median income of sex workers in Latin America ranges from $50 to $100 per transaction, depending on the country and service provided

Industry Economics and Income Interpretation

While the Australian sex industry injects around AUD 2 billion annually into the economy and can pay up to AUD 150 per hour, the global sector — contributing an estimated 3-5% of GDP — reveals a workforce working over 50 hours a week and earning anywhere from $50 to over €50,000 annually, highlighting both its economic significance and the persistent challenges of legality, safety, and fair compensation worldwide.

Legal Status and Criminalization

Sex work is illegal in over 90 countries
An estimated 95% of sex workers globally operate without official licenses or legal protections
In some countries, sex work is decriminalized, leading to a 40% decrease in violence against sex workers
About 70% of sex workers want to exit the industry but face legal and social barriers
In Europe, Scandinavian countries like Sweden and Norway criminalize clients rather than sex workers, resulting in decreased street prostitution
In India, sex work is largely underground, with estimates suggesting approximately 2 million sex workers, many of whom face criminal prosecution
In certain US states, commercial sex acts are decriminalized, resulting in a 30% reduction in violence and arrest rates

Legal Status and Criminalization Interpretation

Despite legal and social barriers leaving 95% of sex workers unprotected worldwide, decriminalization efforts—such as in Scandinavian countries and parts of the US—demonstrate that reducing punitive measures can significantly decrease violence, even as a majority still aspire to exit an industry shadowed by legal risks.