How Much Do Surrogates Make?

Surrogacy Compensation Overview

Surrogates receive financial support that covers every aspect of their journey, from base pay to additional allowances for medical, legal, and lifestyle expenses.

How much is surrogacy compensation? First-time surrogates can expect to earn between $50,000 and $80,000. Experienced surrogates can make up to $115,000, including benefits. The amount varies based on experience, location, and details of the pregnancy.

This aligns with the average surrogacy compensation offered by top agencies in California and reflects the surrogate cost that intended parents cover throughout the process.

The surrogate base compensation payments begin once pregnancy is confirmed and continue on a structured schedule, ensuring consistent financial support.

Surrogacy Compensation Calculator

Want to know how much you could earn as a surrogate? Use our Surrogacy Compensation Calculator to get an estimated breakdown based on your experience, pregnancy conditions, and additional allowances. This tool gives you a general estimate to help you understand potential earnings.

Disclaimer: This estimate is for informational purposes only. Actual compensation may vary based on agency agreements, legal requirements, and individual circumstances. For an exact breakdown, please contact us directly.

Key Factors Affecting Compensation

• Experience Level: First-time surrogates start at a base rate, while experienced surrogates qualify for higher pay.
• Location: Surrogate compensation and expenses may vary by state, with surrogates in California receiving some of the highest compensation in the U.S.
• Specific Pregnancy Conditions: Carrying twins or undergoing a C-section qualifies for additional compensation.

Surrogacy Payment Breakdown

A well-structured payment plan ensures surrogates receive financial security at every stage. Payments are divided into scheduled disbursements to cover base pay and additional benefits.

Base Pay & Installments

• First-time surrogates: Earn between $50,000 and $80,000, depending on experience and specific agreements.
• Experienced surrogates: Compensation can go up to $115,000 for those with previous surrogacy experience.
• Payments begin: Base compensation payments begin at the confirmation of the first heartbeat.
• Monthly installments: Compensation is distributed in scheduled payments throughout pregnancy.
• Final payment: The last installment is provided after a successful delivery, ensuring financial security.

Additional Allowances & Benefits

• Maternity Clothing Allowance: Covers pregnancy-related clothing expenses.
• Medical Expenses: 100% covered, including screenings, prenatal care, and delivery.
• Lost Wages & Childcare: Reimbursement for time off work and childcare during medical visits.
• Multiples & C-Section Compensation: Additional payments for carrying twins and/or undergoing a C-section.
• Embryo Transfer & Mock Cycle Fees: Compensation for required medical procedures before pregnancy.
• Life Insurance Coverage: Provides financial protection for the surrogate and her family.
• Legal Fees: All contract-related legal expenses are covered.
• Travel & Accommodations: Paid when travel is required for medical visits or procedures.
• Agency Fees: All costs associated with the gestational surrogacy process are covered by intended parents.

Every payment is outlined in a legally binding surrogacy contract, ensuring timely and guaranteed compensation for surrogacy at every stage.

How Are Payments Structured?

The surrogate pay structure is designed to provide financial security throughout the entire journey. Once pregnancy is confirmed, surrogates receive an initial payment, followed by steady monthly installments that cover living expenses, travel to appointments, childcare, etc.

After delivery, a final payment ensures that the full compensation is completed. In addition to these core payments, surrogates are reimbursed for medical costs, lost wages, and childcare, ensuring financial stability at every stage of the process.

Tax Considerations for Surrogates

Standard surrogacy compensation may be subject to taxation, though the specifics depend on federal and state regulations. Some reimbursements, such as medical expenses, may not be taxable.

Tax treatment of surrogate compensation varies based on individual circumstances. Some surrogates receive a 1099-MISC form and report their earnings to the IRS. However, tax reporting policies may differ by contract, and some agreements may not require issuing federal tax forms. While tax obligations ultimately depend on personal income levels and applicable laws, surrogates should be aware of potential tax liabilities.

California, known for offering some of the highest surrogate pay, also has specific tax considerations. Higher compensation could place surrogates in different tax brackets, affecting their overall earnings. Those in Los Angeles and other high-demand areas may have additional tax factors to consider based on local and state regulations.

At PSED, we work with surrogates to help them understand financial aspects, including reimbursement policies and tax planning. While we provide general guidance, we encourage surrogates to consult a tax professional to clarify their specific tax responsibilities and maximize financial benefits.

Why California Surrogates Earn More

California is the best-paying state for surrogacy, offering surrogates exceptional compensation, legal security, and access to top-tier medical care. With a high demand for gestational carriers, California remains the top choice for surrogates seeking financial stability and a supportive process.

The state’s surrogacy-friendly laws ensure that every agreement is legally sound and enforceable, protecting surrogate rights and simplifying the process. This legal framework provides peace of mind and allows surrogates to focus on their journey without unnecessary complications.

Surrogates in Los Angeles and surrounding areas receive higher-than-average compensation, reflecting the demand for surrogacy services in California. Many intended parents seek surrogates in the state, leading to structured payment plans that cover base compensation, medical expenses, and additional allowances. The increasing number of surrogate pregnancies in California highlights the strong support system and financial advantages available to surrogates.

In addition to monetary advantages, surrogates gain access to top fertility clinics, guaranteeing excellent prenatal care and medical assistance during their experience.

Choosing California means securing a financially rewarding, legally protected, and well-supported surrogacy experience guided by experienced professionals.

If you’re considering becoming a gestational surrogate, California offers the most stable and well-compensated opportunities available. Start your journey today!

Are There Any Expenses Surrogates Need to Cover Themselves?

One of the biggest advantages of working with a surrogacy agency is that surrogates do not have to worry about covering costs related to their journey. Intended parents handle all medical expenses, legal fees, travel, and necessary accommodations. Additionally, surrogates receive allowances for maternity clothing, childcare, and lost wages.

While most expenses are covered, some personal discretionary costs such as elective wellness treatments or additional maternity items beyond the standard allowance may not be reimbursed.

To ensure timely payments, intended parents are required to deposit all funds into an escrow account. The agency manages the distribution of these funds, ensuring that surrogates receive financial support exactly when they need it.

Every financial detail is outlined in the surrogacy contract, ensuring full transparency and peace of mind throughout the process.

Financial Security for Surrogates

At our agency, we prioritize financial security by ensuring surrogates never have out-of-pocket expenses. Intended parents cover all costs of surrogacy, including:

• Medical Bills & Insurance
• Legal Contract Fees
• Travel & Accommodations
• Life Insurance Protection

Every surrogate agreement is legally secured, guaranteeing on-time payments and financial stability throughout the surrogacy journey.

Take the Next Step Toward Surrogacy

Becoming a gestational carrier is an incredible opportunity to help intended parents build their families while securing a strong financial future for yourself.

Start Your Journey Today – Apply Now to Become a Surrogate!