How Much Does a Surrogate Get paid?
We choose our surrogates from the top 2% of applicants, and our compensation reflects that standard. Our first-time surrogates earn a minimum base compensation of $75,000, up to $5,000 in milestone payments made before pregnancy, and a full benefits package. Here’s what you can expect to earn, what’s included, and when you’re paid.
When you become a surrogate with Growing Generations, you receive base compensation, milestone payments, insurance, and reimbursement for eligible expenses.
Here's what that looks like:
$0
Out-of-pocket for covered expenses
$75,000
Minimum first-time base pay
Up to $5,000
Pre-transfer payments
Top 2%
Of applicants selected
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN SURROGATE COMPENSATION?
We believe every surrogate deserves to be compensated fully for her time, effort, and commitment. Here’s what a typical compensation package looks like and how payments are delivered across your journey.
TYPICAL SURROGATE COMPENSATION*
First-time base compensation: $75,000 minimum
Plus up to $5,000 in milestone payments and a full benefits package
SURROGACY STAGE
WHAT YOU RECEIVE
before pregnancy
Up to $5,000 in milestone payments — screening, contract signing, and medication start — plus coverage of expenses during screening
during pregnancy
Your $75,000 minimum base compensation, delivered as regular monthly payments once heartbeat(s) are confirmed, plus ongoing reimbursements
delivery & after
A $5,000 additional payment for a cesarean delivery and $15,000 for a twin pregnancy
throughout your surrogacy
Coverage of eligible expenses, such as mileage and parking for appointments, insurance co-pays, and prescriptions
*Your exact compensation may vary based on the specifics of your surrogacy, including:
-
the number of transfers required for pregnancy
-
your travel costs
-
potential lost wages or childcare costs
-
any payments specific to your journey, such as multiples or a cesarean delivery
Every payment is detailed in your personalized financial handbook, so you always know exactly what to expect.
First-Time Surrogate Minimum Base Compensation
First-time surrogates start with a minimum base compensation of $75,000. Milestone payments are included within that amount; benefits and eligible reimbursements are provided in addition to it. Your milestone payments are part of your total base compensation. Benefits and reimbursements are paid in addition to that amount.
Experienced Surrogate Compensation
As an experienced surrogate, you can work with us to discuss compensation that reflects your experience and individual needs. We're consistently working with intended parents seeking experienced surrogates. Experienced surrogates have flexibility in setting their compensation and are also eligible to receive up to $5,000 in pre-transfer payments.
HOW ARE SURROGATES PAID?
Here's how your payments and reimbursements work, and how to request them.
Your Financial Handbook
At the start of admissions you receive a personalized benefit package and financial handbook that outlines every payment and how to request it — paid by direct deposit or mailed check.
1/3
Travel & Journey Reimbursements
Most reimbursements come from travel for medical screening, embryo transfer, and follow-up procedures. You’re also reimbursed for:
-
Childcare for appointments and doctor-ordered restrictions (up to a maximum)
2/3
3/3
Additional Reimbursements
As your surrogacy progresses, you’re eligible for reimbursement of:
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Insurance co-pays
-
Prescription drugs
-
Mileage for appointments 100+ miles round-trip
SURROGATE PAYMENT SCHEDULE
Your compensation and reimbursements are paid at different stages: before pregnancy, during pregnancy, at delivery, and throughout the process. The schedule below gives you a clear look at when payments occur and which eligible expenses are reimbursed. Every payment is confirmed in your personalized financial handbook.
PAYMENT OR REIMBURSEMENT
TIMING
AMOUNT
Screening incentive
Contract signing incentive
Medication start incentive
Expenses during screening
On receiving medical clearance
At contract signing
When injectable medications begin
As incurred
$1,500
$1,500
$2,000
Reimbursed
Dollar amounts shown are Growing Generations' published base and milestone payment figures. Reimbursement rates and additional-payment amounts vary by state and journey, and are detailed in full in your personalized financial handbook.
Screening incentive
-
$1,500 upon receiving medical clearance
Contract signing incentive
-
$1,500 at contract signing
Medication start incentive
-
$2,000 when injectable medications begin
Expenses during screening
-
Reimbursed as incurred
before pregnancy
Base compensation
-
$75,000 minimum, paid in monthly installments
DURING pregnancy
Cesarean (C-section) delivery
-
$5,000 additional payment if applicable
Twin pregnancy
-
$15,000 additional payment if applicable
DELIVERY & AFTER
Expenses during transfer appointments
-
Reimbursed as incurred
Childcare
-
Reimbursed for appointments or doctor-ordered restrictions, up to a maximum
Insurance co-pays & prescriptions
-
Reimbursed as incurred
Mileage (100+ mile round-trip appointments)
-
Reimbursed as incurred
Housekeeping on doctor-ordered restrictions
-
Additional reimbursement if applicable
THROUGHOUT THE SURROGACY
SURROGATE PAYMENT SCHEDULE
Your compensation and reimbursements are paid at different stages: before pregnancy, during pregnancy, at delivery, and throughout the process. The schedule below gives you a clear look at when payments occur and which eligible expenses are reimbursed. Every payment is confirmed in your personalized financial handbook.
PAYMENT OR REIMBURSEMENT
TIMING
AMOUNT
Screening incentive
Contract signing incentive
Medication start incentive
Expenses during screening
On receiving medical clearance
At contract signing
When injectable medications begin
As incurred
$1,500
$1,500
$2,000
Reimbursed
Dollar amounts shown are Growing Generations' published base and milestone payment figures. Reimbursement rates and additional-payment amounts vary by state and journey, and are detailed in full in your personalized financial handbook.
BENEFITS FOR OUR SURROGATES
Your compensation is only part of the support you receive. Each of our surrogates is protected and supported throughout her journey — and these benefits are yours the moment you’re admitted to our program — they cannot be negotiated away.
MEDICAL INSURANCE
Medical insurance coverage, with co-pays and prescriptions reimbursed.
Complication Protection
Complication coverage is built into your base pay, with added insurance benefits for serious events.
Lost-Wage Protection
Reimbursement for your actual lost wages while fulfilling your surrogacy commitments.
ADDITIONAL PAYMENTS
A $5,000 additional payment for a cesarean delivery, $15,000 for a twin pregnancy.
SURROGACY PERKS
Maternity clothing funded through your monthly compensation, and travel support through our enterprise-level travel agency partner.
SURROGACY PAY FAQS
First-time surrogates earn a minimum base compensation of $75,000. That includes up to $5,000 in milestone payments made before embryo transfer, plus a full benefits package.
Yes, in specific circumstances. Childcare and housekeeping are covered for appointments and if you're placed on doctor-ordered restrictions, and rates vary by state. Because you receive more base pay rather than an itemized amount per service, you decide which providers to use and what to spend. Would you rather fly grandma in to watch the kids than hire an overnight babysitter? Traditional line-item packages rarely cover care for your pets or untraditional childcare arrangements while you travel.
On average, most agencies pay $500-$1,000 for maternity clothing. We know different bellies grow at different rates and many surrogates already have some, so your maternity clothing is funded out of your monthly compensation, which lets you buy what you need, when you need it.
Most agencies pay about $200 a month as an allowance. We pay you more up front instead, so you can comfortably manage the small, miscellaneous costs that come with surrogacy.
Rather than paying a one-time fee only when something goes wrong, complication fees are built into your base compensation. Every surrogate is compensated more for taking on the risk that comes with any pregnancy. In the unlikely event of a more serious complication, additional insurance benefits are provided.
No. Surrogacy is not meant to be an out-of-pocket expense for you. Your covered expenses are reimbursed, your medical insurance is provided on your behalf, and your benefits are supplied at no cost to you.
Your intended parents are responsible for your surrogacy-related medical expenses. If your current insurance does not provide coverage for the journey, they will also cover the cost of securing a suitable policy for you. Co-pays and prescription drugs are reimbursed, and additional insurance benefits are provided in the unlikely event of a serious complication.
Travel for medical screening, embryo transfer, and follow-up procedures is supported through our enterprise-level travel agency partner and reimbursed. Mileage is reimbursed for appointments more than 100 miles round-trip from home.
Tax treatment of surrogate compensation can vary by state and by your individual situation. We’re not able to give tax advice, so we recommend speaking with a qualified tax attorney or accountant.
Payments are made at milestones throughout your surrogacy and on a regular monthly schedule once your pregnancy is confirmed. You'll receive a personalized financial handbook detailing every payment.
FROM OUR SURROGATES
"Thank you for this incredible opportunity you’ve given me! Being a surrogate has been one of the most fulfilling things in my life and I cannot imagine doing any of this without you. Your support has been incredible and it means the world to me. I could never thank you enough!"
Christina S.
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MORE THAN A PAYCHECK
Being a Growing Generations surrogate means being part of something meaningful. You can help others build a family, guided by a team that's proud to support you every step of the way. If Growing Generations sounds like the right fit, take the next step and start your application.