Surrogacy Pay: Surrogate Mother Pay & Compensation
If you think you'd like to become a surrogate mother a surrogate, you're not just signing up for an incredible personal experience—you're stepping into a role that will bring immense joy to a couple dreaming of becoming parents. It's also a role that comes with unique compensation.
Let's look at typical surrogate mother pay and compensation packages and the factors that affect them.
How Much Do Surrogate Mothers Make?
If you're in the early stages of researching becoming a surrogate, you're probably wondering how compensation works. Agencies offer a range of compensation packages, typically between $50,000 to $70,000. Your compensation package will cover all your travel expenses, lost wages, insurance, and more. Women do not “pay” to be surrogates—you will not be responsible for any costs or bills. All of your expenses are covered by your intended parents.
With Surrogacy.com as your ally and advocate, you have knowledge and experience in your corner. We’ll help you navigate agencies and the range of compensation packages available to make sure you find the one that best fits your needs and preferences. And after that part has been worked out, we're here to help you navigate every stage of your surrogacy journey.
What Affects Surrogacy Pay?
Are you curious about how surrogacy pay is decided? Let's take a closer look at the factors that come into play.
Location, Location, Location
Just like real estate, where you're located can significantly affect your compensation. It's all about the demand for surrogates and the cost of living in your area. Another factor may be how close you live to top-rated clinics across the country.
Agency Choice Matters
Deciding on an agency? It's a big part of the surrogate's pay puzzle. Agencies offer structured compensation packages, so you know exactly what you're getting—base pay plus extras for things such as medical appointments, travel expenses, compensation for lost wages, lifestyle benefits, maternity clothes, and more.
Each agency has its own compensation framework, which considers your surrogacy history and any special conditions. Agency choice is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. It directly affects your pay and the level of support you’ll receive, and it’s an important factor in having a positive surrogacy experience.
Wellness in the Surrogacy Journey
Your medical journey as a surrogate has its twists—especially if you're carrying multiple babies or need extra medical care. More complexity can mean more compensation to match the extra dedication and attention you're giving. If you have health insurance, that can work in your favor in your compensation agreement.
Carrying multiples or navigating extra medical appointments means more check-ins, more scans, and a healthcare team that's following you closely. Agencies understand this and typically step up the emotional and financial support to reflect the heightened level of care and commitment involved in these special surrogacy experiences.
Previous Experience Counts
Think of experienced surrogates as the seasoned travelers of the surrogacy world. They've journeyed this path before and shown they can navigate it with grace. This expertise often translates to higher compensation.
Intended parents and surrogacy professionals know that experience adds immense value. Agencies may vary in how they acknowledge this; some choose to add a bonus for each of your past surrogacies, recognizing the additional wisdom you carry each time. Others may offer a lump sum to make sure your contribution is met with the generosity it deserves.
Is Surrogacy Pay Taxable?
The IRS does not require 1099s for surrogacy payments. However, every agency operates differently. You should speak to your tax attorney or accountant about your specific situation. Laws vary from state to state, and you should have advice from a tax attorney or accountant to discuss your surrogacy payments and if they are taxable.
How Surrogacy.com Supports You
At Surrogacy.com, we're all about YOU. As experienced surrogates ourselves, we get it—every surrogacy journey is as unique as you are, and we're here to meet you right where you're at. Whether you're just starting to dip your toes into the surrogacy waters or you're already swimming in the deep end, we're here to support and guide you every step of the way.
Do Surrogates Get Paid If They Miscarry?
Many agencies pay surrogates at specific milestones along the journey, so in the unfortunate instance of miscarriage, they would pay up to that point. It depends on the surrogacy agency because payment structures differ.