Every surrogacy journey is one of a kind, and your compensation package should reflect that.
Family Makers gives you the freedom to design a financial package that works best for you, so that you are empowered to have the journey you want.
Your compensation. Your way.
Thoughtfully curated compensation & benefits for every surrogacy journey
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Average first time base compensation: $60,000
Experienced surrogates earn more!
Base compensation is paid during the pregnancy starting at heartbeat confirmation and paid monthly throughout the pregnancy in equal installments.
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Average Value: $31,000
Our benefits package includes things like:
Medication start payment
Transfer payment
Childcare reimbursement
Monthly allowance for non accountable expenses
Maternity clothing payment
Lost wages for you and your spouse or partner for any missed work
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Valued at $4,000
Curated to what's most important to you. You can customize your wellness package to include things like chiropractic care, doula support, physical therapy, gym membership, pelvic floor therapy, nutritionist, prenatal massage, and more!
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Average amount varies based on your journey
Things that may or may not receive can include a c-section payment, multiple pregnancy payment, cancelled cycle payment, mock cycle payment, and additional compensation for certain complications if they arise.
Total:
~$95,000
Compensation varies. Use our calculator to see what you can earn.
Thoughtful guidance for meaningful journeys
You deserve to feel supported, valued, and cared for in every way.
Our customizable compensation package is designed to honor your time, commitment, and the emotional and physical energy you give throughout the journey. Your wellbeing is our priority!
Compensation FAQ's
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Base compensation varies, but most first time Surrogates with Family Makers receive a highly competitive base pay starting at $60,000. Base compensation does not include additional curated benefits specific to your needs. Experienced Surrogates earn more due to their proven track record, and previous success with IVF. Your compensation is always discussed openly and tailored specifically to you. We never take a one size fits all approach.
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Payments are disbursed monthly after confirmation of heartbeat. Some benefits are paid at specific milestones to ensure you’re supported throughout the entire journey.
Prior to that, you will receive prepregnancy payments for starting IVF medications, transfer payment, and a monthly nonaccountable allowance. You’ll also be reimbursed for any screening related travel, required medical testing, and other approved expenses if you have to pay for anything up front.
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Absolutely to all of the above!
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They are covered 100% and if you have to pay anything out of pocket you are reimbursed within 5 days.
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If bed rest is medically required, you’ll receive compensation for lost wages, childcare, housekeeping, and any extra support you need during that time. You will never be left without help and always be made whole.
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Yes. Compensation for time, medications, and procedures already completed is still paid according to your contract. You will never lose compensation you have already earned due to circumstances outside your control.
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At Family Makers, you determine your compensation amount based on your experience and financial goals. We do not set your base pay for you, ever. You are empowered to build the package that feels right for you and your family.
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Most Surrogate compensation is considered a gift and not taxed, but this can vary by state and personal tax situation. We encourage you to speak with a tax professional to get advice tailored to your circumstances.
Compensation with purpose
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![A Surrogate sitting on a beige couch smiling while looking at her smartphone and holding a tablet in her lap in a cozy room with a brick wall and houseplants.]()
Taylor
Profile: 32-year-old mom of two, first-time surrogate, part-time school professional
Her why: Helping another family after watching a close friend struggle with infertility
Total compensation: $82,650 plus personalized benefits
Her Experience
When she first started exploring surrogacy, the idea of compensation felt awkward. She worried it might make her look like she was doing it “for the money,” even though her heart was fully committed to helping another family. After learning how much time, physical risk, and emotional energy surrogacy requires, she realized compensation wasn’t payment for a baby, it was structured support to allow her to step into this role without sacrificing her own family’s stability.
Her Package:
• Base compensation: $58,000
• Maternity clothing allowance: $750
• Monthly allowance: $300/month
• Embryo transfer payment: $1,000
• First embryo transfer was successful
• C-section payment: $7,500
Total monetary compensation: $82,650 plus personalized benefits
Outcome:
She used the funds to pay off her family’s minivan and open a college savings account for her kids. More importantly, she says the compensation allowed her to focus on being present, healthy, and supported throughout the journey, not stressed or stretched too thin.
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![A Surrogate and her partner standing in front of their home, holding a wooden sign that reads 'home sweet HOME.']()
Lauren
Profile: 38-year-old mom of three, second-time surrogate, works in healthcare
Her Why: Loved her first journey and wanted to do it again, but with more financial clarity to support her goal of buying a home
Total compensation: $112,870 plus personalized benefits
Her Experience:
After doing one journey with minimal negotiation, she realized she under sold her needs and ended up dipping into her own savings to cover lost wages and childcare. For her second journey, she chose an agency that encouraged her to personalize her package and advocate for herself. That shift made the process feel empowering, not uncomfortable.
Her Package:
• Base compensation: $85,000
• Maternity clothing allowance: $750
• Monthly allowance: $300/month
• Embryo transfer payment: $1,000
• First embryo transfer was unsuccessful, but second transfer was successful
Total monetary compensation: $112,870 plus personalized benefits
Outcome:
She completed a smooth second journey and used her compensation as the down payment for her family’s new home. She openly says, “Supporting my family and supporting another family’s dream can exist together. Compensation simply makes that balance possible.”
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![A pregnant Surrogate standing indoors, cradling her belly with one hand on top and the other underneath, in front of a wooden door with a black latch.]()
Brittney
Profile: 29-year-old single mom of one, fitness enthusiast, first-time surrogate
Her Why: Wanted to provide financial stability for her daughter while giving someone the chance to become a parent
Total compensation: $97,250 plus personalized benefits
Her Experience:
Talking about money felt foreign to her, especially around something as emotional as pregnancy. What helped was learning that compensation is structured, not awkward; it's organized, transparent, and based on industry standards so nothing feels uncomfortable. She appreciated that she didn’t feel alone, Family Makers guided her through the process and protected her best interests.
Her Package:
• Base compensation: $63,000
• Maternity clothing allowance: $750
• Monthly allowance: $300/month
• Embryo transfer payment: $1,000
• First embryo transfer was successful
Total monetary compensation: $97,250 plus personalized benefits
Outcome:
She used her compensation to build a 6 month emergency fund and pay off lingering student loans. She says that becoming a surrogate made her a better mom by relieving financial stress, while gaining lifelong friends with her Intended Parents.
