The term “Sex Worker” covers a very broad spectrum of laborers. Most would assume sex workers are those who trade physical and actual sex with another person for cash or other gifts -an act which is illegal in most of the United States.

Although this is true for some sex workers, there are many forms of sex work -most of which are legal occupations in the US.

Sex Workers can be listed as:

Cam Models

Individuals who perform pornographic modeling or streams sexually explicit material live on the internet via webcam in exchange for money, as in a chat room or by appointment with private clients. Cam models typically self-produce their content keeping their business model small. Cam Modeling is a legal occupation in all 50 states.

Porn Actors

A pornographic film actor or actress, pornographic performer, adult entertainer, or porn star is a person who performs sex acts in video that is usually characterized as a pornographic movie with other actors as well as a production team working behind the scenes. Porn production companies work on a larger scale and have bigger business and distribution models than small scale, self-produced “cam models”. Porn production is legal in all 50 states, however, some states have restrictions on what activities can be performed.

Service Providers

3 major types of prostitution: Street, Escort, and Brothel workers. These individuals who practice the occupation of engaging in sexual activity with someone directly and physically for payment. Prostitution is illegal in 49 states and legal in parts of the state of Nevada.

Phone Sex Operators

An individual who engages in sexually explicit phone conversations for the purpose of sexual gratification of another in exchange for money. Phone sex operation is legal in all 50 states.

Strippers

Also known as “Dancer”, “Entertainer”, “Exotic Dancer”, “Erotic Dancer”, or “Burlesque Performer”.

A performer who removes clothing in a sexually exciting way. These workers also provide their time with clientele in exchange for money. Some would classify this as paid companionship.

Stripping is legal in all 50 states, however, each state has different rules and guidelines on legal and acceptable behavior in regards to stripping. Ex: some states allow touching, others do not.

Sugar Babies

A mutually beneficial relationship between a “mama” or “daddy” and a “baby”. This phenomenon is known as sugar dating. The sugar “parent” in this situation provides or helps to provide a lifestyle for the “baby” through financial stability and gifts. The “baby” may then exchange time and companionship and, in some cases, sex. Sugar dating is legal in all 50 states and is often sought-out through online dating and forums.