If you’re here, you’ve likely started thinking seriously about surrogacy. And honestly? That takes real courage. You’re exploring something that could change not just your life, but someone else’s entire world.
Whether you’re curious about the financial aspects or trying to figure out if surrogacy could help you reach a specific goal, you’re asking all the right questions. In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what you can expect to earn as a surrogate in Texas, how payments are structured and what factors influence your compensation.
Ready to get all your questions answered? Let’s explore surrogate compensation in Texas together. You can also reach out to connect with a surrogacy professional.
How Much Do Surrogates Make in Texas?
Surrogate pay in Texas typically ranges between $35,000 and $85,000+. You’ll receive base pay, milestone bonuses, expense reimbursements and allowances for things like self-care.
Your exact compensation will depend on factors like your experience level, the agency you work with and specific circumstances of your journey. First-time surrogates in Texas typically start on the lower end of that range, while experienced surrogates often earn toward the higher end.
But before we go any further, let’s address the elephant in the room: There’s absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to know about the money. You’re providing an incredible service that requires a massive physical, emotional and time commitment. The intended parents genuinely want to compensate you fairly for this extraordinary gift you’re giving them.
Breaking Down Gestational Surrogacy Compensation in Texas: What’s Included?
Your total compensation package is more comprehensive than a single payment. Here’s what it includes:
- Medical Milestone Payments: You’ll receive payments for specific steps throughout your medical journey, such as the mock cycle, starting fertility medications and completing your embryo transfer.
- Base Compensation: Your main payment begins once pregnancy is confirmed and continues in monthly installments throughout your pregnancy.
- Reimbursements and Logistical Payments: These payments ensure the process never costs you a dime. This includes full reimbursement for travel to medical appointments and separate medical insurance if your current plan doesn’t cover surrogacy-related care.
- Self-Care and Recovery Support: This acknowledges that surrogacy affects more than just your schedule — it impacts your whole well-being. You’ll receive a self-care allowance that you can use during the later stages of pregnancy and into your recovery period.
- Additional Compensation: This can include payments for pumping breast milk if you choose to do so, referral bonuses if you bring another surrogate into the program and sometimes thoughtful gifts from grateful intended parents.
State-by-State Comparison: Do Surrogates Make Good Money in Texas?
Compared to higher-paying states like California (which typically offers $60,000 to $90,000+), Texas compensation is much lower. However, Texas offers excellent value when you consider the lower cost of living.
While a California surrogate might earn $75,000, she’s also dealing with much higher housing costs, gas prices and overall living expenses. A $55,000 compensation package in Texas could give you more buying power than someone earning more in a high-cost state.
Your Texas Surrogate Payment Schedule: When You Get Paid
Your compensation is structured to support you throughout the entire process, not just during pregnancy.
- Pre-pregnancy payments begin as soon as you’re matched and start your medical protocol. You’ll receive your signing bonus and payments for medical milestones like your mock cycle.
- Pregnancy payments start with a lump sum when pregnancy is confirmed, then continue with monthly base compensation payments throughout your pregnancy. These typically arrive on the same date each month, giving you predictable income.
- Post-pregnancy payments include your final compensation installments, recovery allowances and any remaining reimbursements. If you choose to pump breast milk, those payments continue for as long as you and the intended parents have agreed upon.
What Changes Your Surrogate Compensation?
Several factors influence exactly where your compensation falls within the typical range. For instance, first-time surrogate pay in Texas usually starts on the lower end, while experienced surrogate compensation in Texas often reaches $70,000 to $85,000 or higher. Your experience matters because agencies and intended parents value surrogates who’ve successfully completed previous journeys.
The agency you work with also impacts your compensation. Established agencies with strong reputations typically offer more competitive packages because they work with intended parents who understand the value of fair compensation.
Special circumstances can increase your compensation, too. Carrying multiples typically adds $5,000 to $10,000 to your base pay. If complications arise that require additional medical care or extended bed rest, many contracts include provisions for additional compensation.
What to Know About Negotiating Compensation
Gestational carrier compensation in Texas is typically established through agency guidelines and matched intended parent budgets, but there’s often some room for discussion.
A good agency will advocate for fair compensation on your behalf and help you understand what’s reasonable to expect or request. They’ll also ensure your contract protects your interests and clearly outlines all compensation details, payment schedules and circumstances that might affect your pay.
Is Surrogate Compensation Taxable in Texas? Your Questions Answered
Yes, surrogate compensation can be considered taxable income by federal tax authorities. Some of your reimbursements — like medical expenses, travel costs and maternity clothing allowances — typically aren’t taxable. But your base compensation, bonuses and milestone payments could be subject to federal income tax.
Consider consulting with a tax professional who has experience with surrogate compensation to ensure you’re handling everything correctly and taking advantage of any available deductions.
Want to Learn What You Could Get?
Now that you know how much a surrogate gets paid in Texas, you’re probably curious about what your specific compensation could look like. The best way to get accurate information about your potential compensation is to speak with a surrogacy professional.
Ready to learn more? We partner with American Surrogacy to answer your individual questions. Just fill out our form, and we’ll help you get in touch.