Question 1

How much do surrogates get paid?

Accepted Answer

Surrogates in the United States typically earn between $35,000 and $60,000 in total compensation. Base pay ranges from $25,000 to $45,000 depending on experience and state. First-time surrogates average $30,000–$40,000 in base pay; experienced surrogates (who have carried before) earn $40,000–$50,000. Additional compensation includes a monthly allowance ($200–$300/month), maternity clothing ($750–$1,500), lost wages coverage, travel reimbursement, and IVF/embryo transfer fees.

Question 2

What is the best surrogacy agency in the US?

Accepted Answer

The best surrogacy agency depends on your location, experience level, and priorities. Top-rated agencies for surrogates include Growing Generations (known for LGBTQ+ friendliness and high compensation), Circle Surrogacy (strong legal support and surrogate care), Surrogate First (competitive base pay), and Fairfax Surrogacy (responsive matching). SurroScore rates agencies based on verified surrogate reviews, compensation data, communication, and support quality.

Question 3

How do I become a surrogate?

Accepted Answer

To become a surrogate in the US, you typically must: be between 21–40 years old, have had at least one successful pregnancy, be a non-smoker with a healthy BMI (18–33), pass a medical and psychological screening, and have stable finances (not receiving government assistance). The process takes 12–18 months from application to delivery. Most surrogates find an agency first, which handles matching, legal contracts, and coordination with fertility clinics.

Question 4

How long does the surrogacy process take?

Accepted Answer

The surrogacy process typically takes 12–24 months from initial application to birth. This breaks down as: agency screening and approval (1–3 months), matching with intended parents (1–6 months), medical clearance and legal contracts (2–3 months), IVF and embryo transfer (1–3 months), and pregnancy (9 months). Many surrogates receive their first payment within the first trimester.

Question 5

Do surrogates need their own health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Most surrogacy agencies and intended parents cover all pregnancy-related medical costs, regardless of whether the surrogate has her own insurance. If a surrogate's existing health insurance covers surrogacy (some policies exclude it), it is used first. If not, intended parents purchase a surrogacy-friendly health insurance policy. Surrogates are never personally responsible for medical bills related to the surrogacy journey.

Know before you carry.

Real comp data. Real reviews. Built for surrogates.

Surrogate-First Reviews

Agency Comparison

One Application

Top-rated agencies

How SurroScore works

Search agencies

Read real reviews

Save your private draft

We invest in your child's future

See what your journey could be worth