You probably know that gestational carriers are compensated for helping bring someone else’s child into the world. But, you still may wonder how much do gestational carriers make?
In general, first-time gestational surrogates can expect to make between $45,000 and $50,000, and experienced surrogates can make even more.
It’s essential to keep in mind that gestational carrier compensation can vary based on where you live and more.
We encourage you to contact a surrogacy professional to get an accurate estimate for your future compensation rate. A professional can also answer your gestational carrier salary questions in a personalized and detailed manner. But, for now, you can find the answers to three essential questions about gestational surrogate pay.
1. Do Gestational Surrogates Get Paid?
Most gestational carriers receive compensation for their services. Intended parents are happy to compensate women like you for the time and effort they put into surrogacy.
If you’re new to surrogacy, these details will clarify how gestational surrogacy works:
- The surrogate isn’t related to the baby: One of the most important things to know is that if you are pursuing gestational surrogacy, the child you carry will not be genetically related to you. Instead, they will be genetically related to the intended parent(s) or any donors needed to create embryos.
- Gestational surrogacy compensation is legal: Unlike traditional surrogacy, in which a woman carries her biological child to place with the intended parents, there are no genetic ties making relinquishment after birth complicated — or making any payment for doing so illegal.
- You can wave compensation: Gestational carriers can waive their right to gestational carrier compensation. This kind of journey is known as altruistic surrogacy. It is especially common among identified surrogacy, in which surrogates are carrying for a family member or friend.
In most states, gestational carriers can receive gestational surrogate pay without legal concern. If you’re unsure of the surrogacy laws in your state, contact a surrogacy professional to learn more:
Next Steps to First-Time or Repeat Surrogacy
Surrogacy compensation can be a complicated topic, but it doesn’t have to be. Take the time to research appropriate compensation rates in your area, and don’t be afraid to talk to as many professionals as you need. You can start with this list:
2. How Much Does a Gestational Carrier Make?
Gestational carriers’ pay varies due to many factors, including but not limited to:
- Her state of residence
- The intended parents’ state of residence
- Her health history
- Her surrogacy experience
- The intended parents and her compensation rate preferences
- The type of surrogacy journey
- And more
When discussing gestational carrier compensation, it’s important to understand that every surrogacy situation is different. An average rate in one state may be extremely high in another.
Watch out for Inflated Surrogate Pay Rates
It’s important not to get caught up in the rates agencies advertise on their websites and marketing materials. In most cases, agencies advertising compensation rates of $80,000 or more include other figures in that total number. A surrogate who works with that professional is not receiving $80,000 into her pocket for personal use. This is because many surrogacy figures include reimbursements for medical and pregnancy-related expenses.
In general, gestational surrogate pay across the United States is $45,000. Women who have already been surrogates are often compensated more based on their agency’s policies.
3. How Do I Determine My Gestational Surrogate Mother Salary?
If you’re considering becoming a gestational carrier, it’s normal to want to maximize your surrogacy compensation. Compensation can help you achieve a financial goal such as:
- Making a down payment on a house
- Placing a down payment on a new car
- Paying off your student loans
But, figuring out your gestational carrier salary involves more than searching for the highest-paying agencies. It involves:
- Talking to several professionals
- Evaluating your situation
- Making the best decision for you and your family
Every surrogacy professional will have a different policy for determining gestational surrogate salary. But remember, your agency choice should depend on more than what compensation rate they can offer.
When you talk to surrogacy professionals for a compensation estimate and inquire about how much do gestational carriers make, you should be ready to provide personal information, including your:
- Medical history
- Social history
They will use this information to predict the most accurate number they can. Of course, your final number may vary depending on which intended parents you match with, so always keep that in mind.
Reaching Your Surrogacy Goals
Ready to learn more about the gestational surrogacy compensation you can receive? Contact a professional today to get started.