Surrogate Pay:
How Much Does a Surrogate Get Paid?

ConceiveAbilities is the highest paying surrogacy agency and offers the highest compensation package for surrogates. As a first-time surrogate, you can make up to $72,000 with ConceiveAbilities depending on where you live and your current salary – that’s compared to the nationwide compensation average of $45,000-$55,000. ConceiveAbilities’ package includes our $10,000 limited time bonus. How much you make as a surrogate depends on your individual experience and location, among other factors. Unlike other surrogacy agencies, your base pay is not affected by whether or not you have insurance. Find out your estimated earnings with our surrogacy pay calculator.

Become a Surrogate

How Are Surrogates Paid? Surrogate Pay & Compensation: What You Need to Know About Surrogacy Benefits

Surrogates receive compensation throughout their surrogacy journey, starting even before pregnancy. Below, we’ll outline the details of surrogate pay, what’s included in your compensation package, and the timeline for when you can expect payments.

Your base pay is one package, that is divided into pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, and post-pregnancy payments.

From the very start, we provide pre-pregnancy payments—$1,500 at medical screening, $2,000 at the start of IVF (injectable medications), and $2,500 at embryo transfer—so you know your time and commitment are truly valued. We also begin pregnancy payments at the first ultrasound, ensuring early support at the achievement of this momentous milestone.

What you earn as a surrogate at ConceiveAbilities is structured into easy and timely scheduled payments, so that you can focus on a healthy and successful surrogacy journey without the burden of submitting receipts for reimbursement. Further, we package all of your payments in a simple way, giving you the freedom to plan ahead in the way that works best for you and your family. Our surrogates tell us they appreciate the empowerment and control this brings to their financial aspect of their surrogacy journey.

Our best-in-class All-In Surrogate Care and Compensation Package includes comprehensive legal support, medical coverage, life insurance, and more. It is thoughtfully designed to recognize your dedication and ensure your financial security throughout the journey. With this comprehensive package, you can focus on what truly matters—your health, well-being, your family, and the incredible journey of bringing a baby into the world for your intended parents.

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Detailed Surrogate Payment Breakdown

Pre-Pregnancy (Three Payments)

Your pre-pregnancy surrogate payments total $6,000 and are made in three installments, which start the day after your medical work-up and continue until the embryo is transferred to you. We make these payments so you know your time and commitment are truly valued from the start.

$1,500 at Medical Screening
$2,000 at the start of the IVF process, when you begin your medication protocol
$2,500 at embryo transfer

During Pregnancy (Eight Payments)

During your pregnancy, you’ll receive 8 equal installments, which start after the first confirmation of the fetal heartbeat and are paid monthly. We begin pregnancy payments at the first ultrasound, ensuring early support at the achievement of this momentous milestone. Your pregnancy payments are fully earned by 32 weeks of gestation. Along with compensating you for your time and effort during the pregnancy, your surrogate base compensation includes funds to cover expenses at your discretion. Whether it’s for maternity clothes, childcare, housekeeping, or over-the-counter vitamins, you’ll have the flexibility to use these funds in the way that best supports you and your family, without having to track expenses or provide receipts for reimbursement.

Post-Pregnancy

After your pregnancy, we know you’ll need dedicated time and money for expenses and other fourth trimester postpartum recovery needs. We acknowledge your investment with a post birth one-time payment of $3,000, and more based on your current wages, so you can have total peace of mind.

Your pre-pregnancy, pregnancy, and post-pregnancy payments are, together, your base pay. Depending on the circumstances of your pregnancy, you may earn more money in addition to your base pay. We consider:

Are multiple transfers required for a successful pregnancy? If so, you will earn an additional $2,500 for each transfer.
Are multiple fertility medication cycles required for a successful embryo transfer? If so, you will earn an additional $2,000 for each cycle.
Are other medical procedures necessary during your pregnancy or at birth? If so, you will earn additional payments including, for instance, $2,500 for a Cesarean section (C-section).
Are you willing to pump breast milk, post-pregnancy? If so, you will earn $350 per week, plus shipping and supplies.
Is it necessary for you to be on bed rest? If so, there are generous provisions to allow you to fully replenish any lost wages and salary, and to provide for additional help with childcare and housekeeping through our Wage Recovery and Support Program.
Is it necessary for your partner to take some time off work to help you? If so, there are also provisions for your partner’s investment of time and effort in your surrogacy journey in our Wage Recovery and Support Program.

So, how much can you earn as a surrogate—while giving the ultimate gift of family? Use our surrogacy pay calculator to get a personalized estimate of your base pay. Imagine how that compensation can uplift you and your family: paying off debt, investing in your children’s future, buying a car, saving for a home, or creating a financial safety net. By helping someone else build their family, you’re also empowering your own.

Surrogates are the heart of our program and we make sure you know how much we value you. Becoming a surrogate is a courageous decision. We know it’s about more than money. We are invested in your safety, security and support. Not only are we the highest paying surrogacy agency, we prioritize your custom surrogate financial package so you have no bumps in the road that take you away from your dream of becoming a surrogate. Because we value your labor of love and because you are needed, ConceiveAbilities is proud to offer our first-of-its-kind All-In Surrogate Care and Compensation Program.

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The ConceiveAbilities Surrogate Pay Difference: Why Choose Us?

Comprehensive Surrogacy Benefits Package

Your terms, our program. Our All-In Surrogate Care and Compensation Program is the first of its kind, and possible only because of ConceiveAbilities’ long-standing track record for doing what we say we will do for the surrogates, intended parents, and professionals we have worked with for decades. With 25 years of experience, you can trust that we are the best surrogacy agency for you and any woman considering becoming a gestational surrogate.

Our Matching Matters® promise. Once potential surrogates go through our qualification process, our team ensures we match them with their perfect intended parents
A straight-forward, no-surprises financial package created to prevent hassles (e.g. not having to submit receipts) and provide the right amount of compensation for you
Our Life Simplicity Promise™, which includes legal guidance through the duration of your surrogacy journey to ensure fair and valid contractual terms between you and your intended parents
Comprehensive, direct coverage of your medical expenses from the start of medication through delivery, with no out-of-pocket expenses, ensuring ease and peace of mind for you and your family throughout your surrogacy journey
Our Shared Decision framework, which provides guidance for surrogates to be equal partners with their intended parents in important decisions and the overall surrogacy experience
An organized calendar and step-by-step roadmap to manage and prepare you for the activities associated with embryo transfer through In Vitro Fertilization (“IVF”)

And, as the most experienced surrogacy agency, your ConceiveAbilities Match Manager will serve as your primary point of contact and lead your entire match experience team to guide you and your intended parents on the life-changing journey ahead, step-by-step.

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Find a Location Near You

ConceiveAbilities is proud to offer personalized support to egg donors, intended parents, and surrogates nationwide. From Chicago and Denver to New York, Portland, and every city in between, we are here to help you start your family-building journey, no matter where you are in the country.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Surrogate Pay

Does surrogate pay change depending on where a surrogate lives?

Yes, if you live in a high demand area, you will earn more. You can use our personalized surrogate pay calculator to see your base pay.

Are a surrogate’s lost wages covered?

Yes. As a surrogate, you are providing an incredible gift to another family and we are committed to ensuring you are supported every step of the way, including those times when your normal activities are restricted due to medical need. As part of our All-In Surrogate Care & Compensation Package, our Wage Support & Recovery Program is designed to assist you at these times by covering your potential lost wages and added childcare and household expenses, up to a maximum of $1,800 per week, with a $30,000 maximum. This program allows you to place your focus where it should be, on your health, the child you are carrying, and your family, without worrying about added financial strain. Plus, you are dealing directly with ConceiveAbilities; not a third-party with their own requests for information and receipts. Your well-being matters and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

With surrogates in high demand, is there a bonus payment for becoming a surrogate?

Yes, more families than ever are choosing surrogacy to build their families and surrogates are needed. You will earn a $10,000 bonus for becoming a surrogate with ConceiveAbilities for a limited time.

Does a repeat surrogate get paid more for her second surrogacy journey?

Yes, if you are an experienced surrogate, you will earn more base compensation. Watch two-time surrogate and Surrogate Intake Manager Ashtin Gurevitz explain more about repeat surrogate pay.

Is mental health support for a surrogate covered in surrogate mother pay?

Yes. As part of our All-In Surrogate Care and Compensation Package we ensure your mental health is a priority. You will have a mental health professional as part of your match experience team, monthly peer support groups, and access to our surrogate sisterhood Facebook group as well as the Surrogacy Learning Center to connect with others in the surrogacy community.

Is a surrogate liable for any hospital bills?

No. As a surrogate, you are not liable for any hospital bills associated with your surrogacy pregnancy. Unlike other surrogacy agencies, ConceiveAbilities provides direct coverage for any IVF-complications or surrogacy-related medical expense that is not covered by your personal insurance, eliminating disputes, confusion and resolution issues. A dedicated Medical Billing Specialist handles every aspect of your direct coverage, eliminating potential coverage disputes and complexities of a major insurance policy. We handle it directly, and immediately, for you.

Is a surrogate life insurance policy included in my surrogacy compensation?

Yes. Our surrogate pay includes life insurance coverage of up $500,000, or the maximum of what you qualify for, reflecting our unwavering commitment to your safety and peace of mind.

Why Do Women Become Surrogates?

ConceiveAbilities recently hired research firm Accelerant Research to better understand surrogates. The firm surveyed 100 surrogates, more than 500 qualified surrogacy prospects and more than 1,000 women from the general population. Of the surrogates and qualified surrogacy prospects, Accelerant found:

Surrogates’ main motivation is to bring joy by helping a person have a child
More than three-quarters said they did so because they personally knew someone who was in need
Two-thirds said they had first-hand exposure to a close friend or relative’s struggle with weighing the infertility
Surrogates are community-driven. More than half regularly volunteer, nearly one-quarter of them foster pets, and almost half are registered blood and organ donors

What are the dangers of women becoming a surrogate without the help of an agency?

Independent surrogacy journeys often come with challenges like financial misunderstandings, legal issues, and poor communication, leaving many surrogates at risk emotionally, legally and financially. Many of these journeys, unfortunately, simply never start. With nearly thirty years of experience, ConceiveAbilities knows how to navigate these complexities and provide you with the support you need to embark on a safe, healthy and secure surrogacy journey. We prioritize your physical and mental well-being, offering complete financial and legal protection. We handle the details so you can focus on fulfilling your dream of helping another family without unnecessary stress.

Can I become a surrogate if I have a full-time job?

Yes, many of our surrogates absolutely have a full time career. And, as part of our All-In Surrogate Care and Compensation Package, specifically our Wage Recovery and Support Program, you will be compensated if you have any lost wages due to your surrogacy journey. Learn more about becoming a surrogate if you work full-time.

Does a surrogate have to pump breast milk?

No. Pumping breast milk is not mandatory—rather, it’s a shared decision between you and the intended parents, based on the needs and interests of everyone involved. If the intended parents request that you pump, you have the freedom to decide what’s right for you and your family. If you do choose to pump, you will receive compensation for your time and effort. Similarly, intended parents may opt not to have you pump, however, you may still choose to do so and perhaps donate your breast milk.

Surrogate Pay Questions

How much does the average surrogate get paid?

First time surrogates can make up to $72,000 in surrogate compensation, depending on experience, location and other individual circumstances. Check out our surrogate pay calculator to find out more!

Do surrogates earn more based on where they live?

Yes, surrogates in high demand areas do earn more money. Use our surrogate pay calculator to find out how much surrogates make with ConceiveAbilities.

Do surrogates get paid if they do not get pregnant?

You will start receiving payments before you become pregnant. Those payments can include pre-pregnancy payments for completion of medical screening, beginning injectable fertility medication, and embryo transfer.

Do surrogates get paid if the pregnancy ends before delivery?

We are grateful for your efforts and understand the importance of financial security from the very start of your surrogacy journey, which is why your compensation is structured to provide support every step of the way, starting even before pregnancy. At your medical work up, you will earn $1,500. At the start of the IVF process, when you begin your medication protocol, you will earn even more, $2,000. And, at the time of embryo transfer, and repeat embryo transfers should that be necessary, you will earn even more, $2,500. During your surrogacy pregnancy, starting with your first confirmation of pregnancy with your first ultrasound, you’ll receive monthly payments, with full compensation earned by 32 weeks. In the event that your journey ends before 32 weeks, you will still be fully compensated for the time and effort you’ve dedicated up until that point. Your well-being, both emotional and financial, is our priority.

Do surrogates get paid more for a sibling journey?

When you complete your surrogacy journey, you may agree to do a sibling journey. Repeat surrogates do earn more compensation because they are experienced. Learn more by reading our blog post about doing a repeat surrogate journey.

Do surrogates get paid to pump breast milk for intended parents?

Yes. You are compensated for pumping milk for your intended parents. Some intended parents want the surrogate to supply breastmilk for their child. If you agree, you will be compensated for pumping breastmilk. Learn more about the pros and cons of pumping breast milk as a surrogate. Some intended parents may not want you to pump but you do want to pump. In that case, you might consider pumping and then donating your breast milk.

What contract specifies the financial obligations and responsibilities of all parties?

Your Gestational Carrier Agreement (GCA) describes the agreement between you and your intended parents. The GCA outlines the terms of the arrangement, including the parties’ obligations to each other, how decisions shall be made, whose instructions are controlling, particulars about following medical instructions, expectations about communication between the parties, medical coverage, life insurance details, and the schedule of payments, among other things. Even though ConceiveAbilities is not a direct party to this agreement, we do assist in facilitating the terms, like your surrogacy compensation payments. The GCA documents the details about the agreement between the parties directly participating in the surrogacy journey. Learn more about surrogacy agreements.

What is a surrogacy escrow?

A surrogacy escrow account is a financial account set up and fully funded by intended parents at the start of your surrogacy journey. ConceiveAbilities ensures that intended parents are fully informed of their requirements to complete legal work, medical coverage, life insurance, and other financial obligations to ensure the escrow account is fully funded. After match acceptance, intended parents are required to establish and fund the escrow before moving forward. All necessary funds for the surrogacy process are securely held in this account by a reputable financial institution, managed in partnership with ConceiveAbilities.

Who manages and makes payments from my surrogate escrow account?

Your Match Experience Team and the Finance Team arrange for all payments on your behalf using the escrow funds, as agreed to in your Gestational Carrier Agreement.

How do surrogates handle questions about surrogate mother pay?

“How much do surrogates make?” is a very common question surrogates get asked. Every surrogate has different strategies for how she responds to people who ask her about how much she makes being a surrogate. Our monthly peer groups and private surrogate sisterhood Facebook group are great places to hear how others handle questions about surrogate compensation. You can also connect with others in the surrogacy community through The Surrogacy Learning Center. We also put together a surrogacy podcast and blog post about surrogacy myths that may help others understand surrogacy more.

I know a woman who would be a great surrogate. Can I earn money by referring her as a surrogate?

Yes. For every woman you recommend to become a surrogate earns, you can earn up to $650. And your referred surrogate also earns rewards. The further she progresses in her journey, the more you both earn. And you can earn unlimited referral bonuses with your personalized referral link! Learn more about our surrogate referral program.

Who Will Cover the Costs Associated With My Surrogate Pregnancy?

All of your surrogate expenses are paid by ConceiveAbilities or the intended parents. Your compensation package at ConceiveAbilities allows you to get paid on a regular basis, starting with your medical work-up, and limits any out-of-pocket expenses for you. You decide what you need most. Housekeeping? Childcare? Maternity clothes? Your decision. Do you need to take some time off work? Covered with our Wage Recovery and Support Program.

How does surrogacy work with insurance?

ConceiveAbilities offers comprehensive, direct medical coverage that ensures you are fully protected from the beginning of your surrogacy journey through fourth trimester postpartum recovery, with no out-of-pocket expenses to you. We take care of all standard surrogacy pregnancy medical expenses. Of note, we will work with you to integrate and maximize the benefits of any and all existing insurance coverages that you have along with the coverage we are providing through this program.

With 30 years of experience, we have a deep understanding of the true cost of an IVF pregnancy and are uniquely positioned to provide seamless and comprehensive insurance support. Our “All-In” direct protection covers your medical expenses – from your medical screening with your intended parent’s fertility clinic through your surrogacy pregnancy and recovery, as per a standard major medical policy, ensuring ease and clarity throughout the process.

Neither you, nor your intended parents, will need to worry about dealing with insurance companies, potential disputes, surprise billing, late bills, or the complexities of coverage: we’ve got it all handled, directly and immediately. This allows you to focus on what matters most, a healthy surrogacy journey, while we manage the details behind the scenes, ensuring both you and your intended parents are fully supported.

Unlike other surrogacy agencies, your base pay is not affected by whether or not you have insurance.

Do surrogates have any out-of-pocket expenses?

No, your financial compensation and the structure of our surrogacy program takes into consideration what you will need for a surrogacy journey so you can apply it to your needs without having to submit receipts for reimbursement.

Is surrogate compensation taxable?

ConceiveAbilities does not issue 1099s to surrogates. Please consult your tax professional.

Do surrogates have to report income to the IRS?

ConceiveAbilities does not issue 1099s to surrogates. Please consult your tax professional.

Does ConceiveAbilities issue 1099s to surrogates for her surrogate compensation?

Please contact your tax professional, as ConceiveAbilities does not provide 1099s to surrogates.

Do surrogates have to submit receipts for reimbursement?

No, our surrogate compensation package makes it easy so you do not have to submit any receipts for reimbursement.

Do surrogates have to pay for travel?

No. Any necessary travel expenses are paid for by our surrogacy program. It does not come out of your compensation package.

Research More About Surrogate Pay

More questions about becoming a surrogate?

Join the Surrogacy Learning Center.
Find more information about surrogate pay, egg donation, and the process of becoming a surrogate on our blog Everything You Need to Know About Surrogacy.
Subscribe to the ConceiveAbilities YouTube Channel to learn more about surrogacy.
Listen to our All Things Conceivable: A Surrogacy Podcast with Nazca Fontes.

Printable Resources for you and your family as you learn about surrogacy together:

Download Money Matters Guide Download Monthly Care Packages Guide

Surrogate Pay: How Much Does a Surrogate Get Paid?