10 Types of Sex Work You Wish You Knew Sooner

Different types of sex work have been around, well, forever. But thanks to sex and kink-positive movements and the internet, there are more sexy jobs for adults now than ever before.

So if you’re looking for a career in the adult industry, curious about exploring your sexuality, or want to make some cash on the side, learning about the range of sexy jobs available to you will help you on your way - and maybe get your heart racing.

Woman posing in lingerie by dressing table and lights

What is sex work? Is it legal?

The generally recognized definition of a sex worker is an adult who consensually receives goods or money in exchange for sexual services or erotic performances.

Some forms of sex work are still illegal in the US, while other legal forms can face logistical difficulties and restrictions because of misunderstandings and stigma surrounding this type of work.

Because of this, it’s crucial to talk about sex work openly, listen to real sex workers’ experiences, and support those working in the adult industry.

What are common types of sex work?

Sex work and sexy jobs come in many forms, some that put you in direct contact with clients, others in indirect contact. These days, you don’t even have to show your face to a client or leave your bed to earn money through sex work.

Sex industry jobs for men, women and people of any or no gender include escorting and girlfriend experiences, selling erotic media content, erotic dance and performance, webcam modeling, erotic massage, porn acting, sexting, and becoming a phone sex operator or professional sexter.

Woman applying make up in lingerie on bed

10 Types of Sex Work You'll Want to Look Into

1. Selling your feet

Feet are a major money-maker right now. The foot fetish is one of the most common in the world, and you can make money with this sexy job without even leaving the house or showing your face.

Sell pictures or videos, and be as niche as you like! Massage your feet, paint your toenails, try on shoes…

2. Sissy training

What’s a sissy? The term has come a long way. Today, a sissy is a man who consensually takes on hyper-feminine characteristics. Some people do it for erotic pleasure.

Sissy training often takes place online, with sissy trainers selling packages with detailed instructions and materials needed for becoming a sissy.

3. Professional cuddling

Being a professional cuddler isn’t quite sex work, but we thought it deserved a place on our list.

Professional cuddling is an unusually popular way to make money with intimate contact and connection. Professionals provide a timed cuddling session in a specific space.

There are companies where you can sign up and do this safely and in established settings.

Woman putting on dominatrix gear at home

4. Erotic humiliation

Erotic humiliation is nothing new. It comes in many forms, many of which sex workers can sell online or in person.

Sex workers who provide erotic humiliation experiences will take on the role of the dom and consensually ‘humiliate’ their client, the sub, for that person’s erotic pleasure.

The experience can involve mocking, name-calling, instructions and punishments, or making the sub call the dom names like “Goddess” and “Master.” This is a sex industry job for men or women with a taste for erotic dominance!

5. Professional animal roleplay

This kink is about adults consensually roleplaying as animals, with mannerisms, sounds, costumes - for erotic pleasure and arousal.

Professional animal roleplayers will offer online or in-person animal roleplay experiences that cater to the client’s fantasy and what the sex worker chooses to offer.

6. Audio porn narration

Do you have a soothing, sexy voice? Audio porn is huge now, and all kinds of platforms are looking to pay people to be the voice behind the fantasy. Is this sexy job for you?

Woman sticking tongue out listening to headphones

7. Bondage

A bondage worker or “stringer” is a professional who consensually and safely ties up their clients with ropes or other kinds of bondage restraints.

Another kind of bondage sex work is shibari, which is a more artful bondage practice that originated in Japan.

8. Cock ratings

Yes, you can get paid to rate people’s junk from the comfort of your bedroom.

This sex work service usually takes place online and involves clients paying a sex worker to receive a picture of their genitals and receive a rating and review in return.

9. Erotic tickling

Does getting tickled or hearing your lover squeal with glee when you tickle them bring you pleasure? The proper term for a tickling fetish is knismolagnia.

Professional erotic ticklers charge clients for in-person tickling sessions. For some fetishists, tickling can lead to climax without the genitals being touched at all.

10. Selling your used panties

Already know this one? Us, too.

The used panty fetish is huge, and there are panty-loving communities where people buy and sell used underwear worldwide, and right here on Pantydeal.com.

You don’t have to stop at used panties. You can sell other worn garments including socks, bras, and workout clothes.

Woman smilling at home in lingerie nightwear

Our sexualities are complex, and there are more kinks and fetishes than we can possibly imagine. That’s why sex work is a field with endless possibilities and why there are so many types of sex work to be discovered.