You’re curious about becoming an escort in London. Maybe you’ve seen ads online, heard stories from friends, or just wondered what it’s really like. You’re not alone. Thousands of people in the UK explore this path every year-not because it’s glamorous, but because it offers flexibility, control, and income that other jobs simply don’t. But here’s the truth most guides won’t tell you: this isn’t a side hustle you can wing. It’s a business. And like any business, if you don’t plan it right, you risk more than your time-you risk your safety, your reputation, and your peace of mind.
What Being an Escort Actually Means
An escort isn’t just someone who shows up for a date. You’re providing companionship, emotional presence, and sometimes physical intimacy-but only if you choose to. The legal line in the UK is clear: paying for sex itself isn’t illegal, but soliciting in public, running a brothel, or controlling someone else’s sex work is. That means you can work independently, as long as you’re not sharing premises with others or advertising in ways that imply prostitution.
Most successful escorts in London don’t call themselves ‘prostitutes.’ They’re event companions, date partners, or personal attendants. They go to dinners, concerts, galas, or just sit with someone who’s lonely. The money comes from time, not acts. And the best ones? They treat it like a service industry-like being a personal trainer or a therapist-but with more personal boundaries.
Why People Choose This Path
Let’s be real: no one becomes an escort because they love the stigma. People do it because it works for their life.
- You’re a student and need £1,500 a month for rent and books-your part-time job pays £600.
- You’re a single parent who needs to be home by 7 p.m. every night-most office jobs won’t let you do that.
- You’re a freelancer who wants to pick your hours, your clients, and your pace.
- You’ve got skills in conversation, emotional intelligence, or styling-and you want to get paid for them.
In 2024, a survey by the UK Sex Workers’ Advocacy Group found that 68% of independent escorts in London earned between £40 and £120 per hour. Some made over £3,000 a month working just 15 hours. That’s not luck-that’s strategy.
The Two Main Ways to Work
You’ve got two real options: go it alone or join an agency.
Independent escorting means you build your own brand. You create a website, manage your own bookings, set your rates, and screen clients yourself. It’s more work upfront-but you keep 100% of the income. You’ll need a professional-looking site (no selfies in bikinis), a separate bank account, and a clear set of boundaries. Many use platforms like OnlyFans or private booking portals to stay safe and discreet.
Agency-based escorting means someone else handles the marketing, bookings, and sometimes even screening. You show up, do the job, and they take 30-50%. It’s easier to start, but you lose control. Some agencies are professional and safe. Others? They’re exploitative. You’ll hear horror stories-clients forced to work overtime, no pay, no exit. Do your research. Ask other workers. Read reviews on forums like Escort Review UK.
How to Start Safely (Step-by-Step)
If you’re serious, here’s how to begin without putting yourself at risk.
- Define your boundaries-what you will and won’t do. Write it down. Stick to it. No exceptions.
- Get a separate phone number-use a Google Voice or Burner app. Never give out your personal number.
- Create a professional profile-use a pseudonym, professional photos (no nudity), and clear descriptions. Focus on personality, not just looks.
- Screen every client-ask for full name, occupation, and a video call before meeting. Google them. Check if they’ve been reported on forums like Safe Escorts UK.
- Always meet in public first-even if they offer to pick you up, insist on a café or hotel lobby. Never go to their place alone on the first meeting.
- Share your location-tell a trusted friend where you’re going, who you’re meeting, and when you’ll be back. Use Life360 or Find My iPhone.
- Keep records-save all messages, invoices, and booking details. In case something goes wrong, you’ll need proof.
What to Expect When You Start
The first few weeks are emotional rollercoasters. You’ll feel proud when you earn your first £200. You’ll feel exhausted after a 10-hour day. You’ll get weird messages. You’ll get compliments. You’ll get ignored. You’ll learn who respects you-and who doesn’t.
Most clients aren’t predators. They’re regular people: a lonely widower who just wants someone to talk to, a stressed executive who needs to unwind, a gay man who can’t be open with his family. The best escorts say their most meaningful sessions weren’t about sex-they were about listening.
But yes, there are bad ones too. Men who try to push boundaries. Men who show up drunk. Men who don’t pay. That’s why screening matters. That’s why you need to trust your gut. If something feels off, cancel. No apology needed.
Pricing in London: What You Can Earn
Prices vary wildly based on experience, looks, location, and how you present yourself.
| Experience Level | Hourly Rate | Typical Weekly Hours | Monthly Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner (0-3 months) | £40-£70 | 8-12 | £1,200-£2,500 |
| Intermediate (3-12 months) | £70-£120 | 10-15 | £2,800-£5,000 |
| Established (1+ years) | £120-£250+ | 8-12 | £4,000-£8,000+ |
High-end escorts often charge by the night or for travel. Some do corporate events, red carpet appearances, or model for private photographers. The top 5% make six figures a year-not because they’re doing more sex work, but because they’ve turned their brand into a service business.
Safety Is Non-Negotiable
Let’s cut through the noise: this job can be dangerous if you’re careless. But it doesn’t have to be.
- Never use drugs or alcohol before a session. You need to be in full control.
- Carry a personal alarm. Something small, loud, and easy to activate.
- Use a safe word. Even if you don’t plan to use it, having one gives you power.
- Know your rights. If a client refuses to pay, call the police. You’re not breaking the law by being paid for companionship.
- Join a support group. Groups like SWARM (Sex Workers’ Advocacy and Resource Movement) offer free legal advice, mental health support, and peer networks.
London has over 200 active sex workers’ collectives. You’re not alone. There’s help.
Escort vs. Sex Worker: What’s the Difference?
People use these terms interchangeably-but they’re not the same.
| Aspect | Escort | Street-Based Worker |
|---|---|---|
| Work Setting | Hotels, private homes, events | Streets, parks, public areas |
| Client Screening | High-pre-booking, video calls, references | Low or none-impulse encounters |
| Income Potential | £40-£250/hour | £20-£80/hour |
| Risk Level | Lower (with precautions) | Higher (exposure to violence, arrest) |
| Privacy | High-discreet branding, pseudonyms | Low-easily identifiable |
If you’re starting out, aim to be an escort-not a street worker. The difference isn’t just in pay. It’s in safety, dignity, and control.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it legal to be an escort in London?
Yes, it’s legal to offer companionship and receive payment for it in the UK. However, it’s illegal to run a brothel, solicit in public, or control someone else’s sex work. Independent work from your own home or rented space is permitted. Always avoid public advertising that implies prostitution.
Do I need to pay taxes as an escort?
Yes. All income from escorting is taxable in the UK. You must register as self-employed with HMRC and file a Self Assessment tax return each year. Keep receipts for business expenses-phone bills, travel, clothing, website hosting, and safety gear can all be claimed. Many use accounting software like QuickBooks or hire a freelance accountant who specializes in sex work.
Can I do this while holding another job?
Absolutely. Many escorts work part-time while studying, caring for children, or holding another job. The key is scheduling and boundaries. Don’t let one job bleed into the other. Use separate phones, emails, and bank accounts. Be clear with yourself: this is a business, not a hobby.
How do I find clients without getting scammed?
Avoid sites like Craigslist or Facebook. Use vetted platforms like OnlyFans, EscortDirectoryUK.com, or private booking portals. Build a professional website with clear terms. Always require a video call before meeting. Never accept cash-only payments without a receipt. If someone pressures you, walks out on you, or refuses to pay-block them and report them to a support group.
What if my family finds out?
That’s a real fear-and it’s valid. Many choose to keep their work private. Use a pseudonym, avoid social media ties, and never post identifiable photos. If you do tell someone, prepare for judgment. Not everyone will understand. But you don’t owe anyone an explanation. Your safety and peace matter more than their opinions.
Final Thoughts
Becoming an escort isn’t about selling your body. It’s about selling your time, your presence, your skill in making someone feel seen. The women who thrive in this work aren’t the ones with the most perfect photos-they’re the ones with the clearest boundaries, the strongest support systems, and the quietest confidence.
If you’re thinking about starting, do it slowly. Test the waters. Talk to others who’ve been there. Build your safety net before you take your first step. This isn’t a path for everyone-but for those who walk it with care, it can be one of the most empowering choices they’ve ever made.
Know your worth. Protect your space. And never forget-you’re not doing anything wrong.
