Here's a case study on why performers escort. Pornstarperformance.com has a glowing review of Ava Devine who recently lost 30 pounds (hmm) and was a trouper through a six hour shoot.

If I'm getting any of this wrong feel free to correct me. But Avas rate is probally in the range of 750 a scene. Take out her agents cut and taxes and assume two hours for prep and travel and Ava pockets a cool 68 dollars an hour. Street walkers do better.