Surrogate compensation
How much do surrogates make with PLS? The whole package, itemized.
A first-time surrogate with Private Label Surrogacy receives a total compensation package typically worth $[PACKAGE_LOW] to $[PACKAGE_HIGH] over the journey. That includes base compensation from $60,000 [CONFIRM], a $300 monthly allowance, $500 at medication start, $1,000 at embryo transfer, $750 for maternity clothing, $90 a week for housekeeping from 32 weeks, $200 a week for pumping if you choose to, lost wages for you and your partner, and a life insurance policy of up to $750,000. Experienced surrogates receive base compensation of $65,000 to $70,000. Multiples add $5,000 (twins) or $10,000 (triplets). All payments come from an independent escrow account funded by the parents before medications begin, so your compensation is never dependent on an agency's bank balance.
Written by Nancy Block, RN
Founder and Director. Fertility nurse, 17 years at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Former President, SEEDS.
Last updated
What is in the total compensation package?
| Item | Amount | When paid | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base compensation, first-time | From $60,000 | Milestone schedule in your contract | All first-time surrogates |
| Base compensation, experienced | $65,000 to $70,000 | Milestone schedule in your contract | Second or later journey |
| Monthly allowance | $300 a month | Monthly | |
| Medication start | $500 | When medications begin | Each cycle |
| Embryo transfer | $1,000 | At each transfer | Paid whether or not the transfer succeeds |
| Multiples | $5,000 twins; $10,000 triplets | On confirmation | If more than one baby |
| Maternity clothing | $750; $1,000 for multiples | During pregnancy | |
| Breast milk pumping | $200 a week | Weekly after delivery | If you choose to pump |
| Housekeeping | $90 a week | From 32 weeks | |
| Lost wages, you and your partner | As set in your contract | As incurred | |
| Life insurance | Policy up to $750,000 | In force before transfer | |
| Dietitian and mental-health support | Included | Throughout | At least six nutrition consults |
| Typical total, first-time surrogate | Typically $68,000 to $78,000 [CONFIRM WITH NANCY] | Over the journey | Single baby, no complications |
Every figure on this page will be confirmed against the current PLS schedule before it is final. [CONFIRM every figure with Nancy]
When are surrogates paid?
Payments follow milestones written into your gestational carrier agreement, and the escrow agent releases each one when it falls due. The schedule below shows the milestones; the exact amounts per milestone are being confirmed.
| Milestone | Payment |
|---|---|
| Contract signed | [CONFIRM] |
| Medications start | $500 |
| Embryo transfer | $1,000 per transfer |
| Confirmed pregnancy (heartbeat) | Base compensation begins, paid monthly [CONFIRM] |
| 32 weeks | Housekeeping, $90 a week |
| Delivery | Final base installment [CONFIRM] |
Is surrogate compensation taxed?
There is no definitive IRS ruling. Many surrogates and CPAs treat base compensation as taxable income and reimbursements (medical, travel, clothing) as non-taxable; some take the position that payments for pain and suffering are excluded. Plan to set aside 20 to 30 percent and talk to a CPA before your first payment. PLS does not issue tax advice. More on taxes.
Why do we not advertise "up to" figures?
An "up to" number adds payments that only happen if something goes wrong, such as a cesarean, bed rest or invasive procedures, and presents them as pay. PLS states the base and the benefits separately, in writing, before matching. Compare agencies on base compensation plus guaranteed allowances, and on who holds the money. Commitment 8 of the PLS Standard.
Estimate your own package
A compensation calculator for first-time and experienced surrogates is in development.
Frequently asked questions
How much do first-time surrogates make?
At PLS, $60,000 base compensation, with a typical total package of roughly $68,000 to $78,000 after allowances and fees.
How much do experienced surrogates make?
Base compensation of $65,000 to $70,000 plus the same allowances and fees.
Is surrogate compensation a salary?
No. It is compensation under a contract, paid from escrow on milestones; it is not wages from PLS or the intended parents.
Who pays the surrogate?
The intended parents fund an independent licensed escrow agent, who releases each payment on the schedule in your contract.
Do surrogates get paid if the embryo transfer fails?
You keep the $1,000 transfer fee and monthly allowance already paid; base compensation starts with confirmed pregnancy.