As a prospective surrogate, you have likely learned a bit about surrogate base compensation. You are making a selfless, heroic choice by helping other people realize their dreams of parenthood, and that is beautiful. You should be rewarded for dedicating so much of your time and energy to this. But, did you know that compensation can differ depending on your experience with surrogacy?

To learn more about this, you can contact us today to get free surrogacy information now. But, we have also put together this detailed guide that explains how and why surrogate base compensation can vary. Continue reading to find out how and why first-time and second-time surrogate compensation are often different.

How Much Does a First-Time Surrogate Make?

If this is your first time being a surrogate, then you’ll have to learn about first-time surrogate compensation. This is the rate that any future surrogacies will be based on, should you choose to complete a second journey, so think of it as a base salary when you’re starting out in a professional field.

You will also need to account for your state’s surrogacy laws and standard rates. These vary throughout the country, and they can affect how much compensation you will receive. For instance, this depends on how many surrogates and intended parents are available in each state, the local economy, the surrogacy market in the area and more. Still, though, how much do first-time surrogates make? In most cases, it is around $30,000.

Watch out for surrogacy professionals who offer compensation rates as high as $60,000 or $80,000. If the number sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. Once you begin working with an agency that offers rates like these, you will discover that you’re actually receiving far less.

On top of your first-time surrogate compensation, the intended parents and your surrogacy professional will also cover any pregnancy- and surrogacy-related costs. That’s why surrogacy is always 100% free for gestational surrogates.

How Much Does an Experienced Surrogate Get Paid?

Now that you have a better understanding of how much compensation first-time surrogates receive, you may have another question: What is the compensation for second-time surrogates? When it comes to experienced surrogate compensation, different professionals have different policies. From a general standpoint, though, experienced surrogates have the opportunity to make a little more base compensation than first-time surrogates.

Some surrogacy professionals offer a flat increased rate for experienced surrogates. Other surrogacy professionals increase repeat surrogate compensation with each surrogacy you complete. For instance, you may receive an extra $5,000 for each surrogate pregnancy you’ve previously carried to term.

You can receive more surrogate compensation for the second time because you’ve proven your ability to carry a surrogate pregnancy the first time around. You know what to expect, so you are prepared for both the rewards and obstacles of surrogacy that you may face. When a surrogacy professional offers you second- or third-time surrogate compensation rates, it means that they trust you to handle the responsibilities even better than a first-time surrogate.

Aside from handling the challenges of surrogacy, you have also shown that you can carry a healthy gestational pregnancy to term. This can bring intended parents some peace of mind as they are searching for prospective surrogates to work with. When they know you’ve successfully helped others become parents before, they feel more comfortable working with you. Because of this, intended parents are willing to pay a higher compensation rate for the assurance of working with an experienced gestational carrier.

What Will My Surrogate Compensation Rate Be?

How much does a first-time surrogate make? What is the compensation for second-time surrogates? What about third-time surrogate compensation? As you are trying to determine what your particular surrogate compensation rate will be, you can take a few steps to figure out how much you will make.

Step 1: Do Your Research

When it comes to both first-time surrogate compensation and repeat surrogate compensation, they will be unique to your local area and professional. Be sure to ask around and see what rates each surrogacy professional can offer. Also, you will want to be thorough and read the fine print so that you can see if they actually hold up their promises.

Step 2: Determine Your Preferences and Needs

Once you have done your research, think about how each surrogacy professional aligns with your own needs and preferences. Remember that the intended parents will pay these fees, too, so think about what’s fair for them to pay given your circumstances.

Step 3: Speak with a Surrogacy Professional

The easiest way to find out what your first-time or second-time surrogate compensation rate would be is to talk to a surrogacy professional. Keep in mind that each surrogacy agency and surrogacy attorney will have different policies. You will discuss your situation with them, and they can help you figure out what your compensation rate would be.

We should mention, though, to be wary of surrogacy agencies that offer rates as high as $60,000 or even $80,000. If their offer seems too good to be true, then that is likely the case. That’s why it’s crucial to read the fine print to see if those rates will stay constant throughout your surrogacy process.

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Surrogacy compensation can be complex. Whether you are seeking first-time or experienced surrogate compensation, it can be an uncomfortable topic to discuss. But, it is necessary to talk about this when you are a prospective surrogate. Take all the time you need to determine what compensation you should receive, and speak with surrogacy professionals to see which one is the best fit for your needs.

Choosing the right surrogacy professional is important because it will have a significant impact on your overall experience. Instead of going with the agency that offers the highest rate possible, consider the whole package and whether this professional is right for you.

If you are feeling confused about first- or second-time surrogate compensation, then we can help. You can fill out our online contact form to get more surrogacy information now. We would love to help you out in whatever way that you need us.