How To Make Money Becoming A Surrogate [Step-By-Step]

Are you a mom struggling to find a decent side hustle?

Finding a side income with little to no required skills can be challenging. Also, it’s difficult to find one that pays lucratively.

Fortunately, surrogacy offers the chance to get paid by carrying a pregnancy for others.

The surrogacy process enables a woman to become pregnant via embryo transfer and carry the pregnancy for the intended parents. In return, the surrogate mother receives compensation for her time and effort.

The surrogate compensation also covers travel expenses, legal fees, and other miscellaneous fees to help the gestational carrier with her surrogacy journey.

With the right agency and guidance, you can become a surrogate mother, earn a profitable fee, and help others build their family as a bonus. If you’re considering becoming a surrogate, this step-by-step guide will share how to get paid to be a surrogate.

Can You Get Paid to Be a Surrogate?

According to Global Market Insights, global commercial surrogacy was valued at around $14 billion in 2022.

This demand stemmed from wealthy intended parents seeking surrogacy in other states or abroad to avoid long waiting lists and high local fees.

Because of this demand, you can get paid to become a surrogate at a high price.

How Much Can You Make by Being a Surrogate?

Surrogate compensation depends on several factors, including the intended parents’ budget.

However, according to Surrogate.com, the base surrogacy pay is $45,000 on average for a first-time surrogate. Meanwhile, American Surrogacy states that their pay ranges from $40,000 to $75,000.

A surrogate mother usually receives the payment in monthly installments. Besides the surrogate base compensation, the package covers health insurance, legal expenses, medical procedures, prenatal vitamins, and maternity clothing.

Sometimes, the compensation also covers the lost wages from being pregnant. Overall, you’ll receive hefty compensation if you decide to become a surrogate.

What You’ll Need to Get Paid to Be a Surrogate

To become a surrogate and prepare for a surrogate pregnancy, you must have the following:

• Internet-Enabled Smartphone or Computer: Use an internet-connected device to look for legitimate surrogacy agencies, apply for them, and communicate with the surrogacy agency.
• Healthy Mind and Body: You must have a healthy body and a sound mind before carrying the pregnancy to keep you and the baby in good condition.
• Health Information: Prepare your recent health information for the application and interview.
• Surrogacy Agency Requirements: Meet the agency’s requirements. It usually includes being at least 21 years old, having at least one healthy pregnancy, being a non-smoker, living in a state that allows surrogacy, and being a U.S. citizen.

Where to Get Paid to Be a Surrogate

If you don’t know which agency to go to, here are a few recommendations you can try.

1. American Surrogacy
2. Circle Surrogacy
3. Southern Surrogacy LLC
4. Surrogate Parenting Services
5. Growing Generations
6. Creative Family Connections
7. Reproductive Possibilities
8. West Coast Surrogacy
9. Simple Surrogacy

1. American Surrogacy

American Surrogacy in Kansas offers full-service surrogacy to surrogates in the country and intended parents across the globe.

Founded in 2013, the company offered adoption services and expanded to surrogacy. Today, their services include gestational surrogacy for surrogates and parenthood via surrogacy for intended parents.

How Much You Can Make

The surrogacy pay at American Surrogacy ranges from $40,000 to $75,000, depending on your residence and experience level.

Besides the base pay, a surrogate mother receives compensation for other surrogacy fees, such as medical, travel, and legal expenses.

What Makes This Option Great

American Surrogacy offers competitive pay, and they give a detailed breakdown of your compensation. Also, they ensure you’re well cared for in every step of your surrogacy journey.

Besides this, the agency helps you with legal matters to protect your rights during the entire process. Overall, their benefits offer a good side hustle for women.

• Fees/Commission: None
• Payment Methods: Undisclosed

2. Circle Surrogacy

Circle Surrogacy has over 27 years of experience in surrogate pregnancy and egg donation. The agency also boasts a 99.3% success rate, one of the highest in the industry.

They’re a full-service agency—their staff consists of professional program coordinators, surrogate coordinators, accountants, legal teams, and more.

They have offices in Boston, Washington, DC, Burlingame, Los Angeles, Raleigh, New York, and London.

How Much You Can Make

Unlike donating blood, surrogate compensation is significantly higher. Circle Surrogacy pays first-time surrogate mothers a base pay of around $30,000 to $40,000.

The agency also pays for life insurance, legal counsel, social work support, travel costs, and necessities like housekeeping and maternity clothing.

Their website includes a calculator that estimates how much you may receive depending on your state, insurance coverage, and experience.

What Makes This Option Great

Circle Surrogacy offers decent surrogate mother compensation, including the base pay and other expenses.

The surrogacy agency also encourages surrogates and intended parents to form strong relationships and support each other during this journey.

• Fees/Commission: None
• Payment Methods: Undisclosed

3. Southern Surrogacy LLC

Southern Surrogacy LLC is one of the top surrogacy agencies in the South, with offices in Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

Unlike other agencies, Southern Surrogacy is a law-firm-owned program by the local law firm Claiborne|Fox|Bradley|Goldman. The firm specializes in adoption, assisted reproduction, and other family-building options.

How Much You Can Make

At Southern Surrogacy, a surrogate mother receives three types of payment: base pay, additional payments depending on the pregnancy, and coverage and reimbursement for all surrogacy-related services and expenses. The total usually ranges from $38,000 to $50,000.

Other expenses covered include health insurance, life insurance, travel expenses, counseling services, and legal fees.

What Makes This Option Great

Southern Surrogacy offers decent surrogacy pay. Although it’s not as high as other agencies, the company ensures fair compensation.

Also, they’re one of the agencies focusing on surrogates and intended parents’ well-being.

Lastly, since they’re a law-firm-owned agency, they’re experts in knowing and dealing with your state’s surrogacy laws.

• Fees/Commission: None
• Payment Methods: Undisclosed

4. Surrogate Parenting Services

Surrogate Parenting Services is a full-time surrogacy agency in California. They have Case Managers to support surrogate mothers living in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Orange County, Sacramento, Fresno, Riverside, Monterey, and San Diego.

How Much You Can Make

First-time surrogate mothers can make a starting average compensation of $65,000 with a guaranteed extra of $13,000. Meanwhile, a repeat surrogate gets an additional $10,000 to their base pay.

After getting legal clearance, surrogate mothers will receive monthly compensation until they give birth.

Surrogate Parenting Services also offers a signing bonus, pamper package, and house cleaning allowance.

What Makes This Option Great

Surrogate Parenting Services offers one of the highest base compensations for first-time surrogate mothers.

They also offer additional payments to cover other expenses and make the surrogate’s life more comfortable.

Because of its several packages, becoming a surrogate in this agency is a great way to make money for beginners.

• Fees/Commission: None
• Payment Methods: Undisclosed

5. Growing Generations

Growing Generations is a full-service agency for surrogacy and egg donation. Founded in 1996, the company has been building families for 25 years.

The agency is also one of the pioneers in serving gay and single men, helping HIV+ men become fathers, and including videos in egg donor profiles.

Besides surrogate pregnancy, they also have a program that helps you get paid to donate eggs.

How Much You Can Make

Growing Generations give a detailed list of their surrogate mothers’ compensation on their website, depending on their condition.

Generally, first-time surrogates get up to $63,500 plus up to $35,000 in additional benefits. But payments vary based on circumstances.

For example, a first-time, stay-at-home surrogate in California receives around $57,000, while a first-time, stay-at-home surrogate living in other states receives $52,000.

Check their website for their compensation guide.

What Makes This Option Great

Becoming a surrogate at Growing Generations makes you one of the highest-paid surrogates in the industry.

The agency is also transparent about its breakdowns, giving you a detailed idea of how much you’ll receive. Compensations also include monthly expenses like maternity clothing and housekeeping.

• Fees/Commission: None
• Payment Methods: Undisclosed

6. Creative Family Connections

Creative Family Connections is one of the few surrogacy agencies with a professional team of strong, highly-educated, and passionate women.

The agency works with surrogates and intended parents nationwide, with team members living in California, New Jersey, Colorado, Connecticut, Mississippi, and more.

They’re also a law firm that updates information on surrogacy laws per state.

How Much You Can Make

At Creative Family Connections, the base surrogate compensation is $55,000 regardless of where you live and if you don’t have insurance.

They also provide additional stipends for embryo transfer, housekeeping, monthly allowance, maternity clothing, and lost wages, among many others. You can also get paid to travel to the clinic or surrogate agency if you live far away.

What Makes This Option Great

The agency offers one of the highest base pays in the country, making this a lucrative deal.

Also, team members live in several locations, making their services more accessible and available for prospective surrogates.

• Fees/Commission: None
• Payment Methods: Undisclosed

7. Reproductive Possibilities

Reproductive Possibilities is a national surrogacy agency working with various parents, including single parents and couples, LGBTQ+ and heterosexual, and local and international.

How Much You Can Make

Reproductive Possibilities pays a surrogate mother compensation between $45,000 to $55,000, significantly more when paid to donate sperm.

The pay includes reimbursements for a single fetus, term life insurance, carrier’s transfer fee, invasive procedures, medical expenses, psychological counseling, and travel expenses.

The agency can also cover lost wages if the surrogate is employed and has no disability insurance. They also have a referral program where surrogate mothers can receive $1,000 per successful referral.

What Makes This Option Great

Reproductive Possibilities prides itself on being a highly-inclusive agency. As a result, you’re not only helping couples have a child but everyone else who wants to build their family.

Also, they offer one of the highest total compensations and provide additional fees for your convenience and comfort.

• Fees/Commission: None
• Payment Methods: Undisclosed

8. West Coast Surrogacy

West Coast Surrogacy is a boutique surrogacy agency with over 15 years of experience and comprising professional teams to support surrogates and intended parents.

Like Reproductive Possibilities, the agency works with everyone, including single parents and gay couples.

West Coast also has an egg donation agency where you can sell your eggs.

How Much You Can Make

Surrogate compensation at West Coast Surrogacy depends on your location, experience, and employment status.

For example, a non-employed experienced surrogate living in California receives $85,000. Meanwhile, a non-employed first-time surrogate outside of California gets $60,000.

If you’re an employed surrogate, you’re generally paid higher.

The agency also pays additional fees and allowances, such as the embryo transfer fee, monthly stipend, and health insurance.

What Makes This Option Great

Surrogates get paid with one of the highest fees in the industry.

They also make local and international surrogacy arrangements and have representatives across the U.S. to assist surrogates with their needs during the process.

• Fees/Commission: None
• Payment Methods: Undisclosed

9. Simple Surrogacy

Simple Surrogacy is an all-female-owned and operated agency offering surrogacy and egg donation services.

With over 20 years of experience, this surrogacy agency works in all states that support surrogacy and with all types of families, including married heterosexual, LGBTQIA+, and single families.

How Much You Can Make

Surrogates at Simply Surrogacy get paid around $58,500 and up, depending on their state and experience. Meanwhile, first-time surrogate mothers receive a $50,000 base compensation.

Besides the base pay, surrogates receive a monthly allowance of $300 to $350 monthly, a maternity clothes allowance of $800 to $1,000, and an embryo transfer fee of $1,000, among others.

They also reimburse lost wages, travel expenses, housekeeping, and child care. Plus, they offer a free gift card worth $50 if potential surrogates complete their profile and medical records within a week of applying.

What Makes This Option Great

Simple Surrogacy offers a significantly high base pay, additional expenses, and reimbursements for various aspects, making you well-compensated.

The agency is also well-connected with professional doctors, lawyers, and psychologists who can assist you during the process.

• Fees/Commission: None
• Payment Methods: Undisclosed

Why You Should Consider Being a Surrogate as a Side Hustle

If you’re having second thoughts about becoming a surrogate, consider the following perks to help you decide:

• Help Parents Have a Baby: Have the chance to help others start a family.
• Experience the Joy of Pregnancy: If you like pregnancy but don’t want to add to your family, consider being pregnant for someone else.
• Be Well-Cared For: All expenses will be covered, and you’ll have access to the best medical care, including prenatal vitamins, maternity clothing, medical screening, and more.
• Receive Lucrative Pay: Surrogates get paid around $45,000 minimum, depending on their experience, location, and employment status.

Problems With Being a Surrogate for Money

Before becoming a surrogate mother, understand the following challenges you may encounter:

• Physically and Mentally Challenging: You’ll experience changes in your body and could get attached to the baby.
• Long-Time Endeavor: Pregnancy takes nine months, and you must deal with the whole process for almost a year.
• Pregnancy Risks: You may encounter pregnancy complications that can affect your health and safety.
• Dealing With Stigma: Most people are still not open to surrogacy and may feel unfavorably toward you.

How to Get Paid to Be a Surrogate: Step-By-Step Instructions

If you decide to become a surrogate, follow this general guide to start your surrogacy journey.

Step 1: Consider if You’re Fit to Be a Surrogate Mother

Start by asking yourself if you can and want to become a surrogate mother.

Do you fit all of an agency’s requirements? Are you healthy enough to carry a pregnancy? Can you do this for nine months? Why do you want to become a surrogate mother?

Most people undergo the surrogacy process because of the hefty surrogate compensation. However, consider this carefully, as it involves your body, time, health, and safety.

After researching and deciding, potential gestational surrogates may apply to their chosen agency.

Step 2: Undergo a Medical Screening

During the application process, potential surrogates must undergo health and lifestyle screenings to ensure a successful pregnancy.

This part of the surrogacy journey can take weeks, and you’ll meet with physicians, psychologists, and social workers to assess your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

Step 3: Match With the Intended Parents

After clearing the medical screening, prospective surrogates may wait to match with the intended parents.

The information you provide will help the intended parents understand if you match their needs and vice versa.

Once the intended parents choose you, you may meet them online or in-person to get to know them more.

After both parties agree to move forward with each other, you may proceed to the next step.

Step 4: Draft and Sign a Surrogacy Contract

Surrogacy contracts protect the surrogate mother and intended parents. Attorneys specializing in surrogacy law will be present, making both sides understand their rights.

The contract also indicates the surrogate compensation, the surrogacy medical process, the risks involved, and other details.

When both parties agree, they may sign the contract and start the surrogacy process.

Step 5: Prepare for the Embryo Transfer

After the contract signing, it’s time to begin preparing for the embryo transfer. You’ll work with a fertility clinic for medical screening and fertility tracking.

You must also take fertility medicine to prepare your body for embryo transfer from the intended parents. After transferring the embryo, you’ll take a pregnancy test and will undergo monitoring for the next few weeks.

Once there’s a baby’s heartbeat, you’ll receive monthly surrogate base compensation and additional expenses to help care for the baby until you’re due.

Step 6: Give Birth

Most intended parents join the surrogate during childbirth. And once the child is born, the agency will continue to care for you as you recuperate in the hospital. You may return home after being discharged.

Note that surrogate compensation ends after delivering the baby. Regarding your relationship with the intended parents, you may choose to keep in touch.

Things to Consider When Being a Surrogate for Money

Like other side hustle ideas, consider the following factors before you become a surrogate:

1. Attachment to the Baby

Surrogate mothers tend to feel attached to the baby they’re carrying. They may also experience grief and loss after the surrogate pregnancy.

To avoid this, you may talk to mental health professionals before, during, and after your pregnancy. In this way, you can happily give the baby to the intended parents and share the joy of birth with them.

2. Discussing It With Loved Ones

Many people still don’t understand and accept surrogacy. If you plan to become a surrogate, talk to family and friends about it to help them understand and support you.

If you’re having difficulty dealing with family and friends regarding your circumstance, seek the help and guidance of a surrogacy professional.

3. Tedious Doctor’s Appointments

As with any pregnancy, you must attend doctor appointments to keep yourself and the baby safe and healthy. You must have the time and effort to keep your surrogacy appointments.

If you live far from your chosen clinic, consider your travel time, expenses, and effort.

Ultimately, ask yourself if you can commit to the appointments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which States Can Get You Paid to Be a Surrogate?

Surrogacy-friendly states include California, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Nevada, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington.

Meanwhile, Michigan prohibits paid surrogacy and surrogacy contracts but allows altruistic or uncompensated surrogacy.

The rest of the states allow surrogacy, but legal protection for surrogates and intended parents are uncertain.

How Many Times Can You Be a Surrogate?

Professionals recommend not having more than five previous pregnancies as a surrogate.

Similar Ways to Get Paid

Consider these alternatives if becoming a surrogate mother isn’t for you:

• Get Paid to Take Care of a Family Member With a Disability: Try caring for a disabled person and get paid for helping.
• Get Paid to Walk: Earn money while you burn calories by walking.
• Get Paid to Test Products: Make extra income by testing and reviewing the latest products.

Wrapping Up

Although becoming a surrogate mother pays a large sum of money, it’s still challenging.

That’s why it’s necessary to identify your reason for undergoing surrogacy, understand the process, and be of sound mind and body before committing to the surrogacy journey.

Once you’ve decided, there are many surrogacy agencies you can try, and they’ll help you throughout the surrogacy process.

What do you think of this earning opportunity? Share your thoughts in the comments. Also, if this was helpful, don’t hesitate to share this with people who might want to try surrogacy.