As a premier surrogacy agency in California servicing Roseville, Rocklin, Lincoln, and the greater Sacramento and Bay area, our Surrogate Compensation Package is competitive!
How Much Do Surrogates Make In California?
Depending on multiple factors such as current income and cost of living, compensation can vary.
For first-time surrogates, base compensation begins at $60,000 in California, and experienced surrogate compensation rates can vary between $65,000.
In addition to your base compensation, each surrogate can receive an additional $13,000 throughout the surrogacy process in compensation through various benefits detailed below:
- Monthly Expense Allowance – $250/month
- Medical/Psychological Screenings – $500
- Commencement of Medication – $500
- Embryo transfer fee – $1,000
- Maternity Clothing Allowance – $1,000 – $1,200
- Multiples – $5,000
- Childcare (if applicable) – $75/child/day
- C-Section – $2500
- Lost Wages* – up to 6 weeks of your lost wages, if you are married your spouse is entitled to 10 days of lost wages- *unlike other surrogacy agencies in California, we do not lump lost wages into your base compensation.
Why Our California Compensation Package is Better
- Your compensation will not change whether you are a resident of California or not
- Your compensation will not change whether you are married
- Your compensation will not change based on whether you work- you’ll receive your lost wages!
- Your compensation will not change based on whether you live or work in California
- Your compensation package will not change based on whether you have a “surrogate-friendly insurance package” or if we use your insurance policy
We Offer a Simple Surrogacy Compensation Package In California
We wanted to make the compensation package simple and not confusing. With other surrogacy agencies in California, you will be shown a large chart where you will need to fit into categories of whether you work, have insurance, or are a resident of California or other multiple factors. This can cause confusion when you’re trying to find out how much you will make.
There is only one requirement…
Our California surrogate agency is different in the way we talk about compensation. Surrogates get paid based on one factor, and that is your suitability to become a surrogate. If you pass your medical screening, you are eligible to move forward to receive compensation after you sign a Gestational Surrogacy Agreement with your Intended Parent, compensation details will be spelled out in this document.
The intended parents in California are responsible for all surrogate compensation and benefits as well as for pregnancy-related expenses including medical costs, insurance, bed rest, and travel (if applicable).
How Surrogate Compensation Works In California
How much surrogates make in California is a combination of “base pay” and other “benefits.” Base compensation is only paid out when you become pregnant, however, other benefits can be paid whether you are pregnant or not. For example, you can receive the payment for embryo transfer, whether or not the transfer is successful. Other benefits such as travel and reimbursements are paid out as well whether or not you are pregnant. The majority of your pay, however, expressed as your base compensation, will only start once a pregnancy is confirmed.
Other Agencies In California
Base compensation does vary based on what surrogacy agency you work with in California, and surrogate benefits are different as well.. We have found that prospective surrogate mothers come from a wide variety of backgrounds.
As a result, this is why we have chosen to structure surrogate pay differently than other surrogate agencies in California. We are not as concerned about where you are located, whether you are working or if you are working or how much money you make.
Compensation with Made in the USA Surrogacy
Your compensation package with Made in the USA Surrogacy is unique compared to how other surrogacy agencies structure compensation benefits. When you are matched with an intended parent or intended family, you will begin the process of your surrogacy journey medically.
After you are cleared medically, you then enter into a gestational surrogacy agreement with your intended parents. In addition, this gestational surrogacy agreement discusses your compensation and all details associated with how you are paid.
*Compensation funds are held and distributed from an escrow account maintained by a licensed, bonded, and insured escrow company.
What is a Surrogate Mother Compensated For In California?
A surrogate mother is compensated for 4 main things. Here are what they are:
Carrying a Baby
A surrogate mother is compensated for her time, effort, and the physical and emotional demands of carrying a pregnancy for someone else. The compensation typically includes a base fee that reflects the months of commitment, medical procedures, and personal sacrifices involved in the surrogacy process.
This base compensation acknowledges the surrogate’s role in providing a life-changing service for the intended parents and the physical toll of pregnancy, including morning sickness, fatigue, and other potential complications.
Pregnancy-Related Expenses
Beyond the base fee, surrogates are reimbursed for pregnancy-related expenses. These include medical costs such as prenatal care, medications, fertility treatments, and delivery expenses that are not covered by insurance.
Surrogates also receive allowances for maternity clothing, travel expenses for medical appointments, and any necessary accommodations. In cases where the surrogate must miss work due to appointments, bed rest, or post-delivery recovery, lost wages are compensated to ensure she does not face financial hardship during the process.
Medical Risk
The emotional and physical strain of invasive procedures like embryo transfer or, in some cases, cesarean delivery, is also recognized through additional compensation. If the surrogate carries twins or multiples, her compensation often increases to account for the added physical risks and medical challenges associated with such pregnancies.
Intended parents typically provide life insurance for the surrogate and may also cover counseling services to support her mental well-being throughout the journey.
Postpartum Recovery
Surrogates may receive allowances for postpartum recovery and, if requested, for pumping and supplying breast milk after delivery. This helps cover the time and effort required during the recovery phase.
Legal fees are another key area covered, as the surrogate needs proper representation to ensure her interests are protected in the surrogacy agreement.
Special Cases
Twin Pregnancy
When a surrogate carries twins or higher-order multiples, her compensation typically increases to reflect the added physical, emotional, and medical demands. Twin pregnancies place greater strain on the body, including increased weight gain, discomfort, and physical stress, all of which impact the surrogate’s well-being and daily life. They also carry higher medical risks, such as gestational diabetes, high blood pressure, preterm labor, or the potential need for a cesarean delivery.
These risks, along with the extended recovery time required after a twin pregnancy, particularly in the case of a C-section, are factors addressed through additional compensation. Surrogates may also need more frequent medical appointments, maternity clothing, and extra childcare or housekeeping support, which the additional compensation ensures they can access without financial burden. Typically, this extra payment ranges from $5,000 to $10,000 or more, depending on the agreement and the specific circumstances.
Why Should I Become a Surrogate Mother In California?
1. Helping Others Create a Family In California
One of the most significant reasons women choose to become surrogates is the desire to help individuals or couples who are unable to conceive on their own. Whether it’s due to infertility, health risks, or same-sex partnership, surrogacy offers a path to parenthood that many intended parents wouldn’t have otherwise. For women who feel fulfilled in their own families, giving this gift to someone else can be incredibly rewarding.
2. Personal Fulfillment
Many women find surrogacy to be a profoundly meaningful experience. Carrying and nurturing a child for someone else can give a deep sense of purpose and joy, knowing they’ve played a vital role in bringing a life into the world. For some, it’s an opportunity to give back or to use their own ability to carry a healthy pregnancy in a way that benefits others.
3. Financial Compensation In California
While the primary motivation for many surrogates is emotional and altruistic, financial compensation can also be a compelling factor. Surrogates are paid for their time, effort, and the physical toll of pregnancy. This compensation can be used to achieve personal or family goals, such as paying off debt, saving for a home, funding education, or creating a financial cushion for the future.
4. Positive Pregnancy Experiences
Some women enjoy being pregnant and find the process fulfilling. If they have had smooth, healthy pregnancies in the past and love the experience of carrying a child, surrogacy can be a way to relive that joy without expanding their own family. These women often feel confident in their ability to provide a safe and nurturing environment for the baby during pregnancy.
5. A Desire to Make a Difference
Many surrogates are motivated by a strong sense of compassion and empathy. They understand the emotional pain and struggles that come with infertility or the barriers some face in becoming parents. Surrogacy offers a unique way to make a significant, lasting impact on another person’s life.
Become a Surrogate In California Today!
Choosing to become a surrogate is a monumental decision that reflects courage, generosity, and a profound commitment to helping others. By becoming a surrogate, you are providing an invaluable gift that allows individuals or families to experience the joy of parenthood, which they might not achieve otherwise.
Your decision can bring profound happiness not only to those you help but also offer personal fulfillment and financial benefits that can aid in achieving your own dreams and goals. Remember, the journey of surrogacy is not just about creating families—it’s about creating safe, nurturing environments where new life can thrive. As a surrogate, you have the opportunity to use your unique capabilities to make a meaningful impact in the world, and in doing so, you’ll find the experience deeply rewarding and life-changing.