What Is the Surrogate Pay Scale?

Surrogate compensation can be life-changing for many women, ranging from $55,000 - $110,000+ depending on your circumstances.

Below, we break down what affects surrogate pay rates and help you understand where you might fall on the compensation scale. If you want to know exactly how much you can earn as a surrogate, contact us today.

What Affects the Surrogate Pay Scale?

Several key factors determine where you'll fall on the surrogate pay scale. Understanding them can help you set realistic expectations for your compensation and see how your specific situation might affect your earnings.

You can get a personalized estimate using our surrogate compensation calculator.

1. Surrogacy Experience

Whether you're a first-time surrogate or an experienced surrogate will have the biggest effect on your surrogate pay scale. 

The pay rate of a first-time surrogate ranges from $55,000 - $90,000+. Your base compensation begins after pregnancy is confirmed and is paid in equal payments over 10 months. So, if you're earning $55,000, you'll receive $5,500 each month.  

If you’ve gone through the surrogacy process before, you know just how life-changing this journey is for everyone involved. We want to show how much we appreciate your dedication to helping others by offering increased pay. 

Experienced surrogates earn $60,000 - $110,000+ because of their familiarity with the process and proven track record of success. Each time you go through the surrogacy process, you have the potential to earn more. The emotional and physical energy you continue to put forward for others should be rewarded accordingly. 

2. Your Agency’s Surrogate Pay Scale

A major factor is the surrogate pay scale of the agency you choose to work with. When you work with the best surrogacy agency in your area, you can expect to earn the most.

At American Surrogacy, we want you to earn what you deserve. This is why we work with you to create a competitive surrogate compensation package.

“American Surrogacy is focused on meeting surrogates where they’re at and what they're looking for in their compensation,” said Brittany, one of our surrogacy specialists. “Instead of saying, ‘This is all you’ll get, and this is the maximum we offer,’ it’s more like, ‘What are you looking for? Let’s start the compensation conversation there.’” 

3. Location

Location is a significant factor in determining how much you’ll make in surrogate pay.

Each state has it’s own surrogate pay scale based on the cost of living. Those who live in areas with a higher cost of living can expect to earn more.

The top 10 states* that have the highest surrogate salary are:

1. Washington

2. Washington D.C.

3. New York

4. Massachusetts

5. Alaska

6. Vermont

7. North Dakota

8. Oregon

9. Colorado

10. Hawaii

*The data above pertains to 2025 and may be subject to change over time.

What's Included in Your Surrogate Pay? 

Your surrogate compensation is much more than just a monthly payment — it's a comprehensive package designed to support you financially throughout your entire journey. Understanding what's included can help you see the full value of your compensation and know what to expect at each stage. 

The goal is to provide financial security so you can focus on the incredible gift you're providing to a family.

Learn Where You Fall on Our Surrogate Pay Scale

When you become a surrogate, you’re making a big decision to help others. This deserves financial compensation to help you feel secure and rewarded.

Want to learn about your potential surrogate compensation? Contact us today to speak with a specialist who can walk you through our pay scale, answer your questions and help you understand exactly what you could earn.