In recent years, "sex worker" has become the preferred term for prostitutes. The term "sex work" was coined by activist and sex worker Carol Leigh in the '70s.
Sex work isn't just prostitution; it includes all forms of paid sexual encounters, including, but not limited to porn videos, phone sex operators, escorts, exotic or lap dancers, and strippers. It's not uncommon for people to engage in sex work to pay for education costs or for extra spending money.