Though surrogates usually choose this process out of a desire to help others, the overall journey takes significant time and efforts. It’s not just about “how much do surrogates get paid”, the surrogate mother compensation package is the recognition for their dedication.
It also helps cover various expenses such as medical procedures, lost wages, travel, accommodation, and legal fees that arise along the way, ensuring that surrogates are adequately supported throughout the journey.
At SurrogateFirst, we have our surrogates’ best interests at heart. Your satisfaction is our #1 priority – physically, emotionally and financially. SurrogateFirst’s Surrogacy Compensation Package is 100% transparent, easy to understand and competitive. For a full introduction, watch our surrogate compensation webinar here.
Surrogate First’s NEW “build your own package” allows you to determine what’s most important in terms of base compensation, benefits and your stances on termination and vaccines.
Each individual is unique and so is there expectations for base compensation that can be based on the state you live in that drives living expenses, your experience and knowledge of carrying out a successful surrogacy journey and most importantly own personal circumstances that may shape what compensation makes the most sense to you and your family.
There are many benefits before and after pregnancy that surrogates may not be fully aware of and often determined without their input. You will now be able to have access to a full list of benefits with suggestions to guide you in determining what is fair for you and the intended parents. The goal is to ensure all benefits match surrogate basic needs & expectations.
Set Your Terms Nothing is more important than ensuring that your beliefs and values match with those of your future intended parents on key issues. You set your stance on termination, vaccination policy and what type of intended parents you desire to match with. You should not be expected to compromise. SurrogateFirst will only provide you with an IP that meets your terms.
The surrogate compensation is composed of a base compensation that depends on location and surrogacy experience as well as additional benefits and compensations related to the different phases of the process. Additionally, a number of expenses might also be reimbursable on case by case basis.
Your Surrogate Base Fee is the compensation you are given for being pregnant and acting as a gestational carrier. There are slight difference based on a first time surrogate compensation and how much do surrogates get paid in California, for instance.
Starting from:
US $55,000
US $65,000
US $70,000
US $85,000
Besides how much surrogates get paid, they are the other potential benefits and compensation that surrogates are eligible to throughout the journey, covering 4 categories:
Those include the expenses the surrogate will encounter during the process, which are paid directly by the parents as well as additional compensations due in specific circumstances and bonusses granted for reaching certain steps of the surrogacy process.
Life insurance is provided to all surrogates to ensure the safety of the surrogates family and is based on the surrogates earning potential.
If the surrogate does not have their own surrogate friendly insurance, they should obtain full medical coverage with the assistance of an insurance professional to ensure the right coverage is obtained based on your state and coverage needs.
All surrogates should be provided independent legal counsel to review all aspects in detail of surrogacy agreement and paid for by the intended parent(s).
During 3rd trimester with doctor approval with a certified massage therapist
Doctor appointment and other duties; estimated $100 per occasion
Those are expenses the surrogate might encounter during the process, in which case they are eligable for a total/partial refund.
Surrogate's additional medical expenses that are not covered by carrier’s insurance policy should be paid for. Such expenses include but not limited to doctor visits, delivery, lab work etc.
All travel & transport expenses related to medical clearance, transfers, local visits and at birth should be fully covered by intended parents.
Lost wages are based on surrogates current work compensation and if carrier is employed and is without disability insurance. Amounts covered are varied and this figure is only for reference.
Lost wages for spouses are given only when attendance is required and there is usually a maximum cap on these expenses. The figure provided is for our reference only.
For instance: IVF, high risk, delivery related hostipalization appointments
Estimated $100 per occasion
Our team is composed of experienced Surrogates. Rich of our experiences, we have developed our program to support you before, during, and after your journey. We have been in your position, and we know how to support Surrogates throughout their journeys with love, compassion and respect.
Psychological counseling budgets are strongly recommended to be available to surrogates during and after their surrogacy journeys. Budget and access should be pre-determined.
Surrogate wellness programs provide important advice and support in the areas of fitness, nutrition and mental wellness; which should be provided trained professionals.
Those are due in case specific unplanned events happen during the medical surrogacy process.
Based on lost organ insurance coverage
Based on lost organ insurance coverage
How is the surrogacy payment schedule and When you will receive the deposit payments for the items of your compensation package:
The base fee is paid in 9 monthly installements. The balance is then paid within two weeks of birth.
During 3rd trimester with doctor approval with a certified massage therapist
During doctor appointment and other duties
Based on lost organ insurance coverage
Based on lost organ insurance coverage
Surrogate compensation may be considered taxable income depending on individual circumstances and how payments are structured. In the U.S., there is no single federal rule specific to surrogacy, so tax treatment can vary. Some surrogates report compensation as income, while others rely on professional guidance for classification. Because this can significantly affect net earnings, it’s important to consult a qualified tax advisor.
In the United States, base surrogate compensation typically ranges from $40,000 to $60,000 for first-time surrogates. With additional benefits, reimbursements, and allowances, total compensation can reach $60,000 to $90,000 or more. Experienced surrogates often receive higher base compensation. The exact amount varies by agency, location, and individual agreement. Get an estimate of your compensation based on your case specifically with our surrogate compensation calculator.
Legal costs are not part of the surrogate’s compensation but are covered separately by the intended parents so that the cost is not actually born by the surrogate.
These typically include the surrogate’s independent legal representation, contract drafting, and review. Additional (intended parents’) costs may include establishing parental rights, such as pre-birth or post-birth orders. This ensures the surrogate has full legal protection throughout the process.
Yes, usually experienced surrogates are offered a higher base compensation based on the fact that they have successfully completed a/several previous journey. These programs recognize prior experience, reliability, and understanding of the process. Compensation increases can range from a few thousand dollars to significantly more depending on the agency. Repeat surrogates may also benefit from smoother matching and faster timelines.
Find out about the benefits granted to repeat surrogates at SurrogateFirst.
Legitimate surrogacy programs do not provide full compensation upfront. Payments are typically structured and distributed in installments throughout the journey, starting after key milestones such as medical clearance or embryo transfer. This structure helps protect all parties and ensures commitments are met over time. Be cautious of any program promising large upfront payments.
Yes, in most cases, surrogate compensation is paid in monthly installments once pregnancy is confirmed (usually after a heartbeat is detected). Prior to that, surrogates may receive reimbursements or small allowances for early steps (see all the details above). Monthly payments continue throughout the pregnancy, with additional payments for specific milestones or circumstances. The exact schedule is outlined in the surrogacy contract.
You can read more about surrogate monthly payments in our dedicated article.
