Surrogate Compensation

How Much Do Surrogates Really Make?

If you’re reading this, you’re probably curious about surrogate compensation — and that’s a totally valid question to ask. After all, becoming a surrogate is an incredible commitment of your body, time, and heart.

So what kind of compensation can you actually expect? Let’s dive into the real numbers and what they mean for you.

The Bottom Line (Because We Know You’re Wondering)

First-time surrogates typically earn between base compensation between $50,000 and $55,000 for their journey. Been there, done that before? Experienced surrogates often command higher compensation — and rightfully so!

But here’s the thing — these numbers can fluctuate quite a bit depending on where you live, your personal situation, and the specific needs of the intended parents you match with. Plus, there’s the other parts of the total surrogate compensation package to consider (we’ll get into that below).

That’s why we always say these are starting points, not set-in-stone figures.

Three Big Questions You Probably Have about Surrogate Compensation (We Would Too!)

1. “Do Surrogates Actually Get Paid?”

Yes! And there’s no reason to feel awkward about discussing this. The vast majority of gestational carriers receive compensation, and intended parents genuinely want to compensate you for the life-changing gift you’re giving them.

A few important things to know (especially if you’re new to all this):

You’re not genetically related to the baby — In gestational surrogacy, you’re carrying a child created from the intended parents’ genetics (or donor genetics). Your own DNA isn’t involved, which makes this whole process—including compensation—legally straightforward.
It’s completely legal — Unlike traditional surrogacy (where the surrogate uses her own egg), gestational surrogacy compensation is legally protected in most states because there’s no genetic connection.
You can choose to waive compensation — Some surrogates — particularly those carrying for friends or family members — choose what’s called “altruistic surrogacy.” This is 100% your choice, and either way, you’re doing something amazing.

Curious about surrogacy compensation in your state? We get it — all this stuff can be confusing! Reach out to a surrogacy professional who can walk you through what’s relevant for where you live.

2. “What Determines How Much I Could Make?”

Remember how we mentioned that $50,000-$55,000 range? Well, let’s talk about what actually influences where you might fall on that spectrum (or beyond it).

Your compensation might be affected by:

Where you live (California surrogates often earn more than those in the Midwest, for example)
Where the intended parents live
Your health history
Previous surrogacy experience (second-timers typically earn $5,000+ more)
The type of journey you’re embarking on
Your own compensation preferences (yes, you have a say!)

Comparing Total Surrogacy Compensation Packages

Now let’s talk about that “total package” we mentioned earlier.

Surrogate pay is typically broken down into a bunch of different buckets. Those are things like:

Base pay: Think of this like your salary.
Pre-pregnancy payments: For things like starting medications, mock cycles, and travel expenses.
Pregnancy payments: Most packages include bonuses at transfer, trimesters and more.
Post-pregnancy payments: Which can include things like a self-care package or payments for any time missed at work.

So when you ask, “How much will I make as a surrogate?” – what you are asking about is this total compensation package, not just base pay.

Want some tips on evaluating compensation packages? We’ve got you covered here.

3. “How Do I Figure Out What MY Compensation Could Be?”

So you’re thinking surrogacy might help you make a down payment on a house, finally kick those student loans to the curb, or achieve another important financial goal? Amazing! But determining your potential compensation takes a bit more work than just finding the agency advertising the highest numbers.

Here’s what we recommend:

Talk to several different agencies (seriously, don’t just go with the first one)
Be honest about your situation and expectations
Think about the complete package, not just the compensation figure

When you speak with professionals about compensation, they’ll likely ask about your:

Medical history
Social background
Previous pregnancies
Life situation

These factors help them estimate how much you could earn on your journey. Just remember that your final compensation can shift depending on which intended parents you ultimately match with.

Pro Tip: Many former surrogates have said that they chose to open a separate savings account for their payments. This helped them set their compensation aside and use it for something really meaningful!

A Quick Surrogacy Agency Comparison Checklist

Feeling a bit overwhelmed about where to get started? Totally get it. Here’s a quick checklist to get you started. If any agency can’t check these boxes, they may not be the best fit for you:

They respond quickly (and it’s a real person, not a bot!).
They have former surrogates on staff who actually understand this journey.
They can clearly walk you through their compensation package.
They have a customizable approach to compensation – every situation is unique, and you shouldn’t be forced into a cookie-cutter mold (the words “non-negotiable” are a red flag).

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Surrogacy is so much more than just the compensation — it’s about making dreams come true (including some of your own!). But understanding the financial side is an important part of making an informed decision.

Want to get a personalized estimate of what your surrogacy journey could be worth? Reach out to a surrogacy professional who can give you detailed, personalized information based on your specific situation. Every journey is unique, and yours deserves careful consideration.

Feel free to contact several reputable agencies to compare their approaches:

Whatever you decide, we want you to have the best support every step of the way. You’re considering doing something truly extraordinary — and we think that’s pretty amazing.