How much do surrogates get paid? Most of our recent surrogates received between about $78,000 and $87,000 in total.
However, even these totals are outdated, since our surrogate compensation continually undergoes raises. The numbers discussed here are under our older package. Today’s surrogate compensation package is higher, and is likely to increase in the future.
We’d rather give you real numbers than make a huge promise of compensation that cannot be reached, like some of our competitors do.
Here is what four of our recent surrogates were paid in total, start to finish. Names are private.
These were a mix of first-time and experienced surrogates. One carried twins. Base pay at the time was $60,000 to $65,000.
At our current rate, these completed surrogacy journeys would see an increase of $5,000 to $8,000.
We have since raised base pay to $65,000 for first-time surrogates and $70,000 for experienced surrogates. We have never lowered compensation.
If you’re searching for how much do surrogates get paid, you most likely will see ads promising anywhere from $120,000 to $150,000, or more.
Some of those numbers could be real, but most likely are clickbait. Most surrogates will never see compensation that high.
Reaching the very top usually means a second or third journey, twins, a C-section, and several extra procedures, all in one pregnancy. That is rare.
Here’s a simple test. When an ad and that agency’s own calculator don’t match, trust the calculator. Ours is built from our actual pay sheet.
Your pay has two parts: base pay and benefits.
Base pay is paid in 10 monthly installments, starting once a heartbeat is confirmed by ultrasound.
First-time surrogate
Experienced surrogate
Carrying twins or more adds $8,000.
Every surrogate receives these benefits on top of base pay.
You also receive a $1,000 screening and match bonus: $500 when your records are approved, and $500 when you match with a family.
$350 a month for 10 months.
$200 a month for 10 months.
Paid after 15 weeks.
Paid for each transfer.
Paid after legal contracts are signed.
You don’t have to use your PTO. You’re paid your normal daily rate for fertility and OB appointments, bed rest, delivery, and recovery. Recovery covers 6 weeks for a vaginal birth and 8 weeks for a C-section.
If you need to travel for appointments or the transfer, the intended parents cover it. Car travel is paid at $0.50 a mile from mile one.
You’re covered by a $450,000 life insurance policy during your journey.
The intended parents pay your premiums and medical bills.
These are added to your pay when they apply to your journey.
An invasive procedure includes an amniocentesis or a D&C. Breast milk pay comes with supplies and shipping.
Also paid when they apply: a $500 miscarriage fee, childcare for appointments at $15 an hour (up to $75 a day per child), and car travel at $0.50 a mile.
Final terms are set in your surrogacy contract. Compensation is the same for everyone at your experience level and is not negotiated.
If you’ve completed a journey before, you’re valuable to us. You already know the process, the appointments, and the emotional side of carrying for another family.
That’s why experienced surrogates receive a base pay of $70,000. That’s $5,000 more than a first-time surrogate. We want you to feel that your experience is recognized.
We’re glad to have you back.
Some payments come before you’re pregnant:
Your monthly base pay, allowance, and housekeeping start once a heartbeat is confirmed by ultrasound. That heartbeat is usually confirmed around 6 to 8 weeks of pregnancy.
Lost wages are paid as they happen, with a paystub as proof.
All money is held in a licensed escrow account. The intended parents fund it before your journey begins, and a professional escrow manager handles the payments. So your pay is there and paid on schedule.
Because compensation varies based on your individual circumstances, including employment status, marital status, and prior surrogacy experience, use this calculator to estimate your personal package before you apply.
Answer a few questions to see your personalized estimate
First-time: $65,000 base · Experienced: $70,000 base
6 weeks of lost wages will be added to your estimate
10 days of spouse's lost wages will be added
Two embryos may result in twins (+$8,000 if confirmed)
Prior C-section history adds a $2,500 bonus
This is one of the first things women ask us. It’s a fair worry.
You keep the $500 medication fee, the $1,500 transfer fee, and your lost wages. If you try again, those are paid again.
You receive a $500 miscarriage fee, or $1,500 if you need a D&C. If your monthly base pay had already started, you’re paid for the months from heartbeat confirmation until the pregnancy ended.
These costs are covered for you, not paid from your pocket.
The intended parents pay for your legal preparation and your own attorney for contract signing. That’s about $2,000, and it’s not your cost.
If you need to travel for appointments or the transfer, the intended parents cover it. Car travel is paid at $0.50 a mile from mile one.
Your health insurance premiums and all medical costs are paid by the intended parents. That includes pregnancy confirmation through 3 months after delivery.
You need health insurance during your journey, but you don’t pay for it.
We use it. The intended parents pay your share of the premium and your medical bills, from pregnancy confirmation through 3 months after delivery.
The intended parents buy a separate policy for you.
You’re also covered by a $450,000 life insurance policy during your journey.
As a prospective gestational surrogate, you may be hyped and excited for the opportunity. However, we find it common that your significant other may have other thoughts regarding the matter, and you should both be on the same page.
Most husbands are worried about one thing: your health.
Our matching coordinator, Samantha, sets up a meeting to speak to your concerned spouse. She likes to address his doubts by asking what his worry is. Then she walks him through it.
If we know the root cause of the doubt or worry for a large decision like surrogacy, it may be helpful to know that our expertise provides answers to each and every worry. If you’ve had healthy pregnancies before, a surrogate pregnancy usually runs much like those did.
As an example, we once had a spouse of a surrogate be concerned about some trouble that his wife had during her surrogacy delivery. Before her second surrogacy journey, we had a doctor review it to ease his concerns.
Thankfully, it wasn’t serious and was not expected to return. At the couple’s request, we also increased her life insurance.
He ended up supporting her second journey, and she gave birth just recently in July of 2026!
We welcome the opportunity to speak to any spouses or significant others that may have questions about you becoming a surrogate, and will happily guide you both to make you comfortable.
Serving surrogates in Sacramento, Roseville, Folsom, and across Northern California.
You work directly with Samantha, not a rotating team.
Most of our intended parents live in California, so many come to appointments with you.
Through escrow, on a set schedule.
We host surrogate get-togethers a few times a year.
Our recent surrogates received about $78,000 to $87,000 in 2025.
Today’s base pay is higher: $65,000 first-time, $70,000 experienced, so we expect surrogates in California to make more than $80,000 with added benefits.
Some surrogates can make upwards of $100,000 if they choose to have a double embryo transfer and are employed.
No. Because you are working with an agency and not pursuing an “independent journey,” the intended parents agree to a surrogate benefit package that is fair for each surrogate who works with our agency.
Everyone at the same experience level is paid the same. Small extras like a doula or other small benefits can be added if the intended parents agree or it is their idea.
Before pregnancy, you’re paid a $1,000 bonus for screening approval, plus payments for clearance, medication, and each transfer. Monthly base pay starts at heartbeat confirmation.
Yes. You keep the medication fee, the transfer fee, and your lost wages.
The intended parents pay your premiums and medical bills, or buy you a policy if yours doesn’t cover surrogacy.
No. The intended parents pay for your lost wages for appointments, delivery, and recovery.
We believe that clear, generous compensation is part of what makes this process work for everyone. If you have questions about your specific situation or want to talk through what your package might look like, reach out and we will walk you through it.
Serving surrogates across Sacramento, the Bay Area, and Northern California.
