How Much Do Surrogates Make? – Compensation Structure and Key Factors

how much do surrogates make

Many people considering surrogacy often wonder, “How much do surrogates make?” Surrogate compensation can vary widely based on several factors, including experience, location, surrogacy agency, and the type of surrogacy arrangement. Understanding compensation helps potential gestational carriers make decisions about this process. 

What Factors Influence Surrogate Compensation?

The amount a surrogate earns can vary due to various factors that make each surrogacy experience unique. Beyond the payment for carrying a baby, surrogates also receive additional financial support to cover medical, travel, and other related costs.

Base Compensation

The main part of a surrogate’s payment is called the base compensation. This amount is paid monthly after the pregnancy is confirmed through a BHCA test. Several factors determine the base compensation, including:

  • The surrogacy agency’s payment policies
  • The intended parents’ budget and negotiation
  • Previous surrogacy experience

Many surrogates use this compensation to reach personal financial goals or improve their family’s finances.

Allowances and Reimbursements

In addition to the base compensation, surrogates receive extra payments to cover various expenses before, during, and after pregnancy.

Pre-Pregnancy Payments

Before pregnancy begins, surrogates receive payments for the following:

  • Signing bonus after contract agreement
  • Payment for medical screening and clearance
  • Covered travel costs to IVF clinics (plus lost wages or childcare)
  • Monthly allowance for medications and prenatal vitamins
  • Extra payments for each embryo transfer attempt

Payments During and After Pregnancy

Once pregnancy is confirmed, surrogates continue receiving support through:

  • Monthly base compensation throughout the pregnancy
  • Allowance for maternity clothing
  • Additional payment for carrying twins or multiples
  • Housekeeping support during the final month of pregnancy
  • Special compensation for vaginal or C-section deliveries
  • Coverage for medical complications and life insurance

Additional Payments

Unexpected situations can lead to extra payments, such as:

  • Mock cycles to test medication response
  • Canceled or failed IVF cycles
  • Pregnancy termination or selective reduction (if medically necessary)
  • Invasive medical procedures
  • Organ loss related to the pregnancy
  • Bed rest compensation, if prescribed by a doctor

Note: Many agencies simplify these payments by combining them into equal monthly payments instead of itemizing every allowance.

Previous Surrogacy Experience

Experienced surrogates often receive higher compensation. Successfully carrying out previous surrogate pregnancies shows reliability, which can increase payment compared to first-time surrogates.

Location-Based Compensation

Where a surrogate lives also affects how much they earn. Compensation is generally higher in states with high demand for surrogates, such as California. The cost of living in major cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, and Houston can also impact payment, sometimes differing by up to $10,000.

Carrying Multiples

Surrogates who agree to carry twins or triplets receive extra compensation. This amount and coverage for related medical risks are clearly outlined in the contract. Even when a single embryo naturally splits into multiples, the additional compensation is included in the agreement. Surrogates are encouraged to discuss related health concerns with their agency and healthcare provider.

Can Surrogates Negotiate Their Compensation?

Yes, surrogates can negotiate their compensation and benefit package, and doing so can help ensure they are fairly paid for their time, effort, and commitment. While most agencies offer set compensation packages, there can be flexibility depending on your experience, location, and individual needs.

When negotiating, it’s important to understand your worth and clearly communicate your expectations. Reviewing the surrogacy contract agreement carefully is essential to confirm that all agreed-upon terms are included. For extra support, consulting a surrogacy attorney to review the legal contracts can help you advocate for fair compensation.

Negotiating allows surrogates to secure a compensation package that truly reflects the significance of their role in helping intended parents grow their families.

Average Surrogacy Compensation

Surrogate compensation is different across agencies. Most agencies offer an average pay range of $30,000 to $45,000. However, it’s important to carefully review each agency’s compensation structure to understand exactly what’s included.

Many agencies advertise high compensation rates, but these amounts are often reserved for experienced surrogates, not first-time surrogates. This can be misleading for women new to the surrogacy process.

Prospective surrogates need to ask the following important questions when comparing agencies:

  • What is the base compensation for surrogate mothers?
  • How much do first-time surrogates earn with your agency?
  • Does compensation increase for repeat surrogates?
  • What does the gestational surrogacy process involve?
  • Are there extra payments for maternity clothing and other pregnancy-related expenses?

How Much Do Surrogates Make with Physician’s Surrogacy?

First-time gestational surrogates with Physician’s Surrogacy can earn between $48,000 and $75,000, plus additional bonuses. Our compensation packages are among the highest in the nation, reflecting our commitment to valuing and supporting our surrogates.

Factors That Influence Surrogate Pay

Two main factors determine how much a surrogate earns:

  • Location: Compensation varies by state due to differences in the cost of living and travel expenses.
  • Employment Status: Surrogates who are employed may receive extra compensation to cover lost wages.

State-by-State Compensation Breakdown

Surrogate pay differs across states based on living costs and travel needs. Local surrogates near our San Diego office typically have fewer travel-related expenses, reducing costs for intended parents. In contrast, surrogates from other states may receive additional funds for travel and accommodations.

How Payments Are Made

Physician’s Surrogacy uses a fixed payment model to ensure clear and fair compensation. This prevents confusion about itemized payments and guarantees consistent financial support.

Payment Example:

If your agreed compensation is $60,000:

  • You receive a $10,000 payment after the embryo transfer.
  • The remaining $50,000 is paid in equal monthly installments throughout the pregnancy.

Compensation for Lost Wages

For employed surrogates, we include a stipend for lost wages upfront. This payment is provided regardless of whether it’s needed, allowing you to use the funds as you see fit.

How Surrogates Use Their Compensation

While financial gain isn’t the only reason women choose to become surrogates, the compensation they receive can be truly life-changing. This income offers greater financial freedom and the ability to achieve meaningful personal and family goals.

Many surrogates use their earnings to stay home with their children, allowing them to focus on family without the pressure of returning to work right away. For others, surrogacy compensation provides the opportunity to pay off debts, including student loans, credit cards, or medical bills, relieving financial stress and creating a more secure future.

Some surrogates have used their compensation to make major life investments, such as putting a down payment on their dream home or renovating their current house to suit their family’s needs better. Others choose to invest in their education or career by funding higher education or starting a small business, creating long-term financial stability.

Also, surrogates may use their earnings for personal goals, like taking a family vacation, contributing to a college fund for their children, or building a strong emergency savings fund.

Ultimately, how surrogates use their compensation is personal, but it often serves as a stepping stone toward greater financial security and personal realization.

H2 How to Become a Surrogate

Becoming a surrogate is a rewarding and life-changing experience, but it begins with a few important steps to ensure you’re ready for the journey. Here’s how you can start:

Complete the Application Form

Start by completing the gestational surrogate application to determine your qualifications to become a gestational surrogate. This form collects basic information about your health, lifestyle, and pregnancy history to confirm you meet the medical and legal requirements for surrogacy.

Speak with a Surrogacy Coordinator

Once your application is reviewed, you’ll be invited to speak with one of our experienced surrogacy coordinators. During this interview, you’ll learn about the entire surrogacy process, what to expect at each stage, and how the compensation package works. This is also the perfect time to ask any questions you have about the journey.

Get Support Throughout the Process

If you have questions about how much you could earn as a first-time or experienced surrogate or need help completing your application, our team is here to help. You can easily connect with us using the chat option to send a message.

Taxes and Surrogate Compensation: What You Need to Know

In the U.S., there are no clear federal guidelines on whether surrogate payments are taxable, which can create confusion.

In many cases, surrogacy compensation may be considered taxable income, especially if the payments are made directly for service compensation. However, if the contract specifies that payments are reimbursements for medical or pregnancy-related expenses, they might not be taxed. State tax laws can also differ, further complicating the situation.

It’s wise to consult with a tax professional who understands surrogacy-related income to avoid unexpected tax liabilities. Setting aside some of your compensation for potential taxes can help you stay financially prepared. Also, keeping detailed records of all payments and expenses ensures you’re ready to report your income accurately if required.

Some surrogacy agencies issue a 1099 form, meaning the IRS will recognize the payments as taxable income. Clarifying this with your agency ahead of time can help you plan accordingly.

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Physician’s Surrogacy

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Physician’s Surrogacy is the nation’s only physician-managed surrogacy agency. Join our community to get updates on surrogacy, expert insights, free resources and more.

Looking for Reliable Surrogacy Info?

Physician’s Surrogacy is the nation’s only physician-managed surrogacy agency. Join our community to get updates on surrogacy, expert insights, free resources and more.