How Much Do Surrogates Earn in Different States?

How Much Do Surrogate Mothers Earn? A Comprehensive Guide to Surrogacy Compensation Factors.

If you’re considering becoming a surrogate, you may wonder how much surrogate mothers earn and what factors influence compensation. Surrogacy compensation varies depending on experience, location, and additional circumstances during pregnancy. Here’s what you need to know about surrogate pay across different states and agencies, including details on Northwest Surrogacy Center’s (NWSC) compensation structure.

Becoming a Surrogate Mother

Becoming a surrogate is a life-changing decision that allows women to help others build their families while earning a significant financial reward. Surrogacy compensation typically includes a base payment along with additional benefits to cover medical, travel, and other pregnancy-related expenses. The total compensation varies by state, agency, and whether the surrogate has prior experience.

Base Surrogate Pay

The base surrogacy payment for first-time surrogates at most agencies ranges from $50,000 to $90,000.  At NWSC, first-time surrogates earn between $71,000 and $87,000+ in compensation and benefits.

Factors that influence surrogacy compensation include:

• The state where the surrogate resides

• Whether the surrogate has prior experience

• Carrying multiples (twins or triplets)

• Any complications or additional medical needs during pregnancy

In some states, such as California, surrogates often receive higher compensation due to the high demand and cost of living. NWSC offers California surrogates an additional $5,000, making their total compensation higher than in other states.

Does Experience Affect Surrogate Compensation?

Yes! Experienced surrogates generally earn more than first-time surrogates. At NWSC, returning surrogates receive an additional $10,000 on top of the base pay. Many agencies follow a similar surrogacy payment schedule, offering increased compensation for surrogates who have successfully completed a previous journey.

How Do Surrogates Get Paid?

Surrogates are typically paid in installments, with compensation distributed throughout the pregnancy. Payments usually begin after confirmation of pregnancy and continue in scheduled increments until after delivery.

Surrogate Mother Compensation Breakdown

Surrogacy compensation packages include:

• Base pay (varies by state and experience)

• Monthly allowances for personal expenses

• Medical and life insurance coverage

• Lost wages (if applicable)

• Travel and legal expenses

Many agencies will provide additional benefits with their package. At NWSC, surrogates can expect to receive additional compensation for maternity clothes, housekeeping, childcare, wellness benefits and more. These structured surrogacy payments ensure that surrogates are financially supported throughout their journey.

Can the Income Level of the Surrogate Influence Compensation?

A common question is whether a surrogate’s income level affects her pay. In general, agencies do not adjust compensation based on a surrogate’s personal income. Instead, surrogacy income is determined by the agency, location, and experience level.

At NWSC, all surrogates receive the same base pay, except for:

• California surrogates, who earn an additional $5,000

• Experienced surrogates, who earn an additional $10,000

Surrogacy Compensation Across Different States

Compensation varies by state and agency. At NWSC, surrogates in Oregon, Washington, Minnesota, Nevada, Illinois, New Mexico, Colorado, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Connecticut, and Massachusetts receive the standard compensation range. However, surrogates in California receive a higher base pay due to increased demand and living costs.

Other agencies may operate in additional states with varying compensation structures, but NWSC ensures that surrogates in the states we serve receive competitive pay and strong legal protections.

Final Thoughts

Surrogacy offers a fulfilling opportunity to help intended parents while earning significant compensation. While surrogate mother salaries vary by state and agency, NWSC provides one of the most competitive compensation packages, ranging from $71,000 to $87,000+. If you’re interested in becoming a surrogate, consider your location, experience level, and the benefits offered by different agencies.

For more details on NWSC’s surrogacy compensation, click here. If you’d like to see if you qualify, learn more here.