This assertion may be
true but is not necessarily so. Certainly
some
strippers make better money than
some prostitutes. The rates quoted
above are not
generally
representative of the reality (in my experience). This
analytical approach
is missing
data and draws invalid comparisons.
Ceteris paribus*, these two forms of sex work might be compared and found
to be exhibit an income differential. However these professions have
rather different necessary qualifications and skills.
Working in exotic dance is purely visual and accordingly the level of
attractiveness necessary is probably higher. In my locale, the lowest
priced table dance runs $10 (days in a no-contact club) and typical is more
like $20-30 (in a club where contact is allowed). In San Francisco (where
the variety of available sexual trade is vastly greater) dances run $30-100
and patrons are not permitted to stay in a club if they fail to tip dancers
during their sets. Contrary to some expectations, the highest tips seem to
go to dancers with either large or very small breasts.
The quoted 7 dances per hour might be achieved on a Saturday night, however
it is a high figure. An attractive and skilled stripper working at $10
per dance will be doing well to walk away from an 8 hour shift with more
than $300. Working nights pays better, and indeed some girls working in
a busy full contact club with a going rate of $30 per dance might average
$400 per night (after paying stage fee or tips to the staff). Night
shifts, however increase the dancer's expenses as
most city's public transportation systems shut down before the closing time.
Women working in prostitution, whether an escort service, independent or
on the street also need a degree of beauty to work successfully but
the emphasis is on the ability to have sex and fulfill the client's
fantasy.
Again in my area the rates are rather different from those quoted above.
The lowest rate for an outcall is $200 for a very exactly limited hour's
contact, the average is more like $250 and high end starts at $400. It is
normal for a girl working between Thursday and Sunday nights to meet
3-5 clients. Usually 1/3 of these will be longer sessions of 2 hours or
more, with fees in the $300 - 700 range. As a technical matter, prostitutes
almost never permit clients to kiss them. In addition to the implied intimacy
(which is not something you can buy from a prostitute), she does not want
to have to re-apply makeup between clients. Also cleanup typically happens
during the client's paid time.
Thus it would not be unusual for a successful woman to gross 900 - 2000 or
more, or to average $1200 per working night. Weekend working hours are
more likely 12-14 hour nights. than the 7-8 worked by most dancers.
Other differences include working conditions, Strippers spend a 7-8 hour
shift working in stiletto heels or more often platform shoes, doing
strenuous work in a usually smoke filled environment, and simultaneously
engaging a dozen or more patrons, working to establish individual rapport
and eye contact with every one.
In both of these professions one key to success includes repeat business. The
dancer is working to encourage customers to pay for multiple lapdances,
just as a girl who engages in sex for hire maximizes profit by working with
clients who will book her for 2-3 hours. Also because there is inherent risk
in meeting with every new client, (s)he will be more at ease with customers
where there is an established rapport.
Finally girls working for escort services will see clients who they evaluate
as safe privately, thus keeping the entire fee. In this case, of course
safety includes a sense of the client's discretion as few services would
be happy on learning of these arrangements.
Most sex workers necessarily have or develop excellent boundaries. In both
arenas most clients enjoy engaging in conversation. Also both professions
have set limits which the clients may or may not understand. In both cases
what is being sought is very much a fantasy, and the girls who do this work
may succeed (or fail) more on their ability to deliver that fantasy than any
other aspect.
This writeup draws on personal experience of self and others.
* ceteris paribus = Other things being equal.