First-Time Surrogate Compensation vs. Experienced Surrogate Compensation

Key Points:

  • First-time surrogates can make $55,000 - $90,000+, and experienced surrogates can make $60,000 - $110,000+.

  • You can receive more experienced surrogate compensation because of your familiarity with the process and track record of success.

  • Contact us today to determine your first-time surrogate compensation or experienced surrogate compensation.

Whether this is your first surrogacy journey or you have already made families’ dreams come true, being a surrogate is a life-changing decision that you deserve to be compensated for.

To learn more about how first-time surrogate compensation compares to experienced surrogate compensation, contact a surrogacy specialist today.

In this informative guide, we will delve into the intriguing topic of comparing compensation for first-time surrogates versus experienced surrogates so you can understand your surrogate pay.

How Much Do First-Time Surrogates Make?

If this is your first surrogacy journey, you can make $55,000 - $90,000+ in first-time surrogate compensation. First-time surrogate compensation varies depending on several factors, including location, the surrogacy agency and the terms of your surrogacy agreement.

Here is a breakdown of our surrogate compensation package:

See Our Surrogate Compensation Breakdown

Surrogate
Compensation
Breakdown

Total Compensation:

$55,000 - $110,000+

What's Included:
Base Pay
Think of base pay like your surrogate salary. This payment is deposited monthly once a pregnancy is confirmed, and it is entirely yours to use however you choose!
Pre-Pregnancy Payments:
  • Monthly Allowance
  • Start of Medications Bonus
  • Mock Cycle Payment
  • Travel Expenses
  • Signing Bonus
  • Social Work Screening Bonus
  • Medical Screening Bonus
Pregnancy Payments:
  • Start of Base Pay
  • Transfer Payment
  • Maternity Clothes
  • 3rd Trimester Self Care
  • Medical Procedures Bonus
  • C-Section Payment (if required)
  • Multiples Bonus
  • Bed Rest Coverage
Post-Pregnancy Payments:
  • Post-Pregnancy Self Care
  • Pumping Breast Milk (if agreed upon)
  • Counseling Costs (if needed)
  • Lost Wages
  • Spouse Lost Wages
Additional Benefits:
  • Personal Gifts
  • Referral Bonus
  • Life Insurance & Complications Insurance
  • Medical Insurance
  • Housekeeping Payments
  • Family Meal Payments

Understanding Your First-Time Surrogate Compensation Package

First-time surrogates play a vital role in the surrogacy journey. As a first-time surrogate, you'll be compensated for your dedication and generosity. Compensation is typically paid out in:

  • Base Compensation: This is the amount for your commitment to the surrogacy process.

  • Additional Expenses: Surrogates are reimbursed for various costs, including medical, travel and childcare expenses.

  • Bonuses and Incentives: American Surrogacy may offer additional bonuses for meeting specific milestones during the journey.

How Much Does an Experienced Surrogate Get Paid?

Experienced surrogates, having successfully completed surrogacy journeys, can earn higher base compensation. Experienced surrogates may receive $60,000 - $110,000+ in second-time surrogate compensation.

Why You Can Make More in Experienced Surrogate Compensation

Experienced surrogates often earn more due to their valuable expertise and proven track record in the surrogacy process. Their prior experience assures intended parents that they are well-prepared, reliable and have a deep understanding of the journey, which can reduce potential risks and complications.

As a result, experienced surrogates typically receive higher second-time surrogate compensation as recognition of their dedication and exceptional commitment. Their continued involvement in surrogacy also strengthens the bonds of trust between surrogates and parents, making them highly sought-after in the surrogacy community. This not only reflects the significance of their role but also provides a rewarding opportunity for experienced surrogates to continue their journey with our agency.

“It’s definitely a positive for intended parents that a surrogate has been through the process before and is successful with the medications," said Katie, one of our surrogacy specialists. "But most families are really open; they’ll work with first-time surrogates, too.”

Does the Experienced Surrogate Compensation Rate Continue to Increase?

Many surrogates have had such positive surrogacy experiences and are driven by the desire to earn compensation to improve their family’s lives while helping a hopeful couple grow their family. They consider becoming a second, third or even fourth-time surrogate. You might be wondering if the experienced surrogate compensation rate keeps increasing for every surrogacy journey. The answer to this will depend on your agency’s compensation cap.

Even if there is no second-time surrogate compensation cap, our surrogate qualifications ask that you have no more than five vaginal births and three C-sections. While we admire your dedication to helping parents grow their families, we want to prioritize your well-being. A lengthy pregnancy history can increase the likelihood of complications, so you will go through a medical screening process before every surrogacy journey you embark on.

What Other Factors Affect Your Surrogate Compensation?

In addition to experience, several other factors affect where you'll fall within the compensation range. Understanding these can help you set realistic expectations and potentially position yourself for higher compensation.

  • Location: California typically offers higher base compensation due to higher costs of living and strong surrogacy-friendly laws. Other states may offer lower amounts that still provide excellent value relative to local expenses.

  • Special Circumstances: Carrying multiples, your current income level and even insurance can influence your compensation.

  • Preferences and Availability: Surrogates who have flexible schedules or preferences for intended parents may have more negotiating power.

Get the Surrogate Compensation You’re Entitled To

Whether you're a first-time or experienced surrogate, your decision to pursue this journey is remarkable. While compensation may vary, the knowledge that you are helping bring the joy of parenthood to others can be one of the most rewarding aspects of this incredible journey.

If you have questions or concerns about first-time surrogate compensation and experienced surrogate compensation, don't hesitate to contact us to get the answers you deserve.

"We’re very open to getting on the phone, talking through the differences in what we offer and also discussing what you're looking for in terms of compensation," said Brittany, another surrogacy specialist.

Ready to Speak with a Specialist?