How Much Do Surrogates Get Paid?

All the  women who become surrogates do so to help others fulfill their dream of a family. And still, women who go through the effort of becoming surrogates, meet all the surrogacy requirements, invest a lot of their time and energy and make quite a few sacrifices to carry a baby to term, are completely deserving of getting properly compensated for it. 

However, the compensation depends on a long list of factors, including the type of surrogacy. The following payment breakdown refers to a surrogacy process managed and coordinated by a fertility agency. 

Average surrogate pay

Here are all the categories that make up the surrogate compensation, as well as the reimbursements surrogates are entitled to.

Base compensation

Typically, first-time surrogates get an average base fee of $35,000-$50,000.

Yet, the cost of surrogacy also depends on the state where the process is carried out, as there are states where it is more expensive. 

Surrogacy base compensation in the popular states of California, Nevada, Illinois, Colorado and Maryland is higher and can average between $50,000 and $60,000. 

In addition, experienced surrogates - namely women who have been carriers at least once in the past - receive a higher base compensation than first-time surrogates. 

The base compensation for experienced surrogates depends on the number of previous surrogacy journeys: a second time surrogate should get an extra $5,000 on average and a third time surrogate’s base fee is typically around $7,000 higher.

Expenses Paid In Addition To Base Compensation

On top of the base fee, the surrogates also get all their surrogacy-related expenses covered. 

For example, surrogates get an average of $100 per day to cover their travel expenses, food, hotel etc. when they need to get to the clinic for major procedures such as embryo transfer. 

In addition, in most cases intended parents will need to purchase an insurance policy for the surrogate. Some agencies cover the policy in their fees and it is usually the agency’s job to apply for the insurance policy.

It’s also worth noting that there are three types of insurance coverage. The first is for fertility treatments, which is mandatory in some US states and not covered in others; the second covers the actual pregnancy and although most women already have it, they should make sure that their insurance actually covers a surrogate pregnancy from the end of the first trimester to the birth; the third is a life insurance policy that covers at minimum $250,000.

Other Reimbursements

As we mentioned earlier, the surrogate is not required to cover any expenses related to the surrogacy journey, including maternity clothing for which she will be reimbursed in the amount of $500-$1,000.

The surrogate also receives a monthly allowance of about $200, reimbursing her for miscellaneous expenses during the surrogacy process, such as tolls, parking and gas, while a gas tax is added for any travel over 50 miles.

Other Fees, Paid Depending On Circumstances

The surrogacy journey is generally unknown and it’s only fair that the surrogates will get compensated for unexpected events.

For example, if bedrest is mandated for any reason for a surrogate who is employed, she will receive a reimbursement that is salary based for as long as she is unable to work.

In addition, the surrogate gets compensated for ectopic pregnancy (avg. $1,000); C-section - (avg. $2,500); selective reduction (avg. $1,000); hysterectomy (avg. $5,000); loss of fallopian tube or tubes (avg. $1,000); and pregnancy termination (avg. $1,500).

Do Surrogates Get Paid Monthly?

Normally, the base compensation for first-time surrogates is paid in monthly installments of about $2,500. In most cases, the first installment is paid after the detection of fetal heartbeat. 

The monthly installments paid to surrogates residing in the popular US states are around $4,000-$4,500 per month.

Do Surrogates Get Paid If They Miscarry?

Surrogates get compensated for unforeseen events such as miscarriage, but the specific amount depends on the payment structure of the surrogacy agreement. Usually, surrogacy agreements stipulate that in case of a miscarriage, the surrogate will receive compensation up to the point when she miscarried. 

In the devastating instance that the child is stillborn or dies shortly after the birth, the surrogate should receive the full compensation. 

Do Surrogates Have To Pay Taxes?

Surrogate compensation is usually considered an income and therefore, it is taxable in the US - both on a federal and state level. Be prepared to discuss this with a tax attorney.

How Much Do Surrogates Make For Twins?

If a surrogate is carrying a twin pregnancy, she is entitled to a multiples fee.

The additional cost of a twin pregnancy is usually $5,000, while a triplet pregnancy should cost an extra $10,000. 

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