Are you a woman based in California or about going there, and you want to venture into the profession of being a surrogate mother, and you are wondering which is the highest paying surrogacy agency in California so that you can affiliate with them?
Or are you a surrogate mother who is thinking of or about moving to California, and what is holding you down from going is the dread of arriving in California and finding out that the surrogacy agencies in California pay less than the surrogate agencies that you are currently working with now in your area?
These are commonly asked questions, and that is why this article today focuses on which is the highest paying surrogacy agency in California to answer all these questions and more.
There are several benefits to being a surrogate mother. You’ll get to appreciate the pleasures of pregnancy while also contributing to the completion of someone else’s family. The sense of accomplishment is difficult to match.
But we’d be negligent if we didn’t highlight one significant benefit of working as a surrogate – Getting paid. This is one of the main reasons many women venture into the surrogacy business.
We feel that every gestational carrier or surrogate mother is entitled to basic remuneration for the wonderful services she delivers to her intended parents.
However, you’ve most likely come across very high compensation rates during your research. Can the highest-paying surrogacy agency in California provide the six-digit compensation they promise? And, if so, which of them offers the most? And how much is it?
Read on to find the answer to these questions and more.
First of all, let’s recap what surrogacy agencies do
Every gestational carrier or surrogate mother is entitled to base compensation for the amazing services she provides to her intended parents.
That’s why surrogacy agencies are there to offer competitive surrogate compensations for surrogate mothers working for them. They will always advocate on your behalf as a surrogate candidate to receive the compensation you deserve.
However, you’ve most likely come across very high compensation rates during your research. Then questions like the following pop up; “Can the highest-paying surrogacy agency provide the six-digit compensation they promise?” “And, if they do, why would you bother working with a program that cannot promise the “highest” surrogate compensation for your services?” “And how much?”
To answer these questions, I will start by analyzing how surrogacy is generally done in California; their procedures, money paid to surrogates or compensations, and other things you need to know.
These will help you in making up your mind on whether you are still all the way ready to do surrogacy in California, in case you are still having second thoughts or waiting for someone or something to convince you.
So we move.
How Much Do Surrogates Get Paid in California?
California is the most popular state for international and national intended parents to begin their surrogacy adventure due to favorable surrogacy legislation. Surrogates are being well rewarded for their time, effort, and commitment because of the great demand for women in the state to carry a child for someone. Choosing to be a surrogate is a very kind act of compassion, and surrogate moms in California should expect to be well compensated.
Surrogate Compensation
On average, surrogate mothers in CA receive between $45,000 to $60,000 in compensation for their role in helping build a family. However, the base pay doesn’t seem to vary significantly between surrogacy agencies in California and cities such as San Diego, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.
Usually, the financial reward is paid in monthly installments, starting from the moment contracts are signed until the baby is delivered.
How much surrogate mothers make also depends on the following factors;
- Mock or mimic cycle: Some fertility experts choose to do a mimic cycle ahead of the real embryo transfer. The compensation here ranges from $200 to $300.
- Transfer of the embryo: Surrogates often earn $1,000 in compensation after finishing the embryo transfer process.
- Triplet or twin pregnancy: Most agencies offer an additional $5,000 per baby in case of multiple pregnancies.
- First-time surrogate or experienced: Women who have been a surrogate previously receive higher pay compared to new surrogates.
- Medical Procedures: On top of the base pay, surrogates in California receive a payment after the IVF transfer and for any other required medical procedures;
- Repeat surrogates usually receive between $5,000 – $10,000 extra in pay.
- Hysterectomy
- In the event that a surrogate requires surgical removal of the uterus after delivery, she receives between $4,000 – $,6000.
- Termination of Pregnancy: In case of an abortion or miscarriage the surrogate receives $500 – $1,000.
- Surrogate Expenses: Surrogacy agencies reimburse surrogates for any expenses while being part of their program. Expenses such as travel costs, hotel stays, and childcare are covered.
- Invasive Procedures: For any of the procedures below, a surrogate will be compensated approximately $500;
- Amniocentesis: to screen for developmental abnormalities.
- Chorionic villus sampling: to detect birth defects, and genetic diseases.
- Cerclage: treatment for cervical incompetence or insufficiency.
- Dilation and curettage: procedure to remove tissue from inside the uterus.
- Fetal reduction: reducing the number of fetuses in multiple pregnancies may be a higher compensation.
- Cesarean Section: In the case of a C-section a surrogate will be compensated for the recovery period after the surgery. In most cases, the amount is somewhere between $2,000 – $3,500.
- Ectopic Pregnancy: When the embryo attaches outside the uterus, the fertilized egg can’t survive. On average, surrogates who require treatment receive $1,000.
- Lost Wages: Surrogates who have employed receive compensation when the physician orders bed rest during the pregnancy. The amount depends on the number of hours and the surrogate’s income.
- Maternity Clothing: The typical allowance for maternity clothing is approximately $1,000. This can be used for any maternity clothing for the surrogate throughout the pregnancy.
- Monthly Allowance: After contracts are signed with intended parents a surrogate mother can expect between $150 – $300 per month for miscellaneous expenses.
- Surrogate Benefits: Finally, surrogates can expect some additional benefits. These vary per agency, but frequently include the following:
- Life Insurance: A life insurance policy is put in place to cover the surrogate and her family.
- Surrogate Support Group: Most surrogacy agencies invite their surrogates to join a monthly support group. To help them with the cost of attending, such as childcare and travel, they can receive up to $200.
- Health Insurance: The surrogate’s health insurance is fully paid for and covers any medical expenses.
If you still wanna know more details on how much surrogate mothers are paid, then you should watch the video below; https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=slQCED7OCMA
It’s important to remember that every surrogacy journey is different. Please note that all amounts mentioned are estimates.
The full pay a surrogate receives for their contribution depends on many factors and individual circumstances. When choosing to apply to become a surrogate mom in California, women can receive up to $60,000 plus expenses which is considerably higher compared to the surrogate pay in other U.S states.
So now, which is the highest-paying surrogate agency in California?
Growing Generations surrogacy agency is known as the “highest compensated surrogate agency in California.”
It seems to be one of the most successful surrogacy companies in the nation. Because of its size and expertise, it is a popular option among foreign high-profile celebrities and intended parents.
When you google “highest paying surrogacy agency in California,” the agency comes up first. They guarantee surrogates up to $63,000 and extra bonuses up to $40,000.
This would logically lead any potential surrogate to believe they would be paid a hundred thousand dollars to carry someone else’s kid, but this is not the case.
Growing Generations, like many surrogacy services that pay “the most,” touts a compensation rate that comprises many payments. Its “flat-rate” pay rate encompasses more than simply your salary.
That monthly salary rate includes pregnancy and surrogacy-related payments. The money you get as “compensation” is partially used to pay your surrogacy costs.
Furthermore, some surrogacy services publicize their “best-case-scenario” remuneration rates, which are, for example, what a seasoned Californian surrogate mother pregnant for overseas intended parents may be paid.
However, not every surrogate mother will have this sort of voyage or be compensated at such a high rate. Other agencies will pay such costs independently, which means that any payments you get are entirely up to you.
These agencies may not promote themselves as the “highest-paying” surrogate agency in California, and they cannot compete with those surrogate agencies that “promise” exaggerated compensation payouts due to their honesty and openness in compensation rates.
That is why I will be recommending the following four very good surrogate agencies for you in California, even though they are not deemed the ‘most highest’ paying surrogate agencies in California, but their efficiency, organization, and service are top-notch for people who work for and with them, and of course, the pay is also good and straightforward.
- The first surrogacy agency I recommend is the Family Tree Surrogacy Center is one of the highest-paying surrogacy agencies in California. They offer base pay plus additional benefits such as a housekeeping and maternity allowance.
Their surrogates also enjoy a Wellness Program and retreat. Their surrogacy program is one of the leading choices for intended parents looking to match with a surrogate. They have assisted hundreds of parents through their surrogacy journey.
Their goal is to match you with the perfect intended parent, manage the process and provide the best level of service and support. Family Tree Surrogacy Center is dedicated to guiding you every step of the way in your journey to becoming a surrogate mother.
From the initial consultation until after delivery our team will be with you to provide full support and to make your journey a positive and rewarding experience.
Many of their staff members have been surrogates themselves and fully understand what it takes to become a gestational carrier and make someone’s dream of creating a family a reality.
They build strong relationships with all their surrogates and partner with industry professionals, to ensure you receive emotional and psychological support throughout.
I mean these guys are truly dedicated. Who wouldn’t want to work with them? I would.
- The second one is the California Surrogacy Center: At California Surrogacy Center, the average surrogate mother’s compensation is somewhere between $40,000 and $50,000. This is for first-time surrogate mothers, as repeat surrogate mothers typically get paid between $53,000 and $83,000 (including benefits).
Surrogate mothers also receive life insurance, health insurance, as well as a $6,000-$8,000 benefits package, and are eligible to be reimbursed for any out-of-pocket costs like medical co-pays, maternity clothing, and travel expenses, and legal fees.
Sounds good, right?
- The third surrogacy agency I will recommend for you in California is Southern California Surrogacy Center: Southern Surrogacy’s staff and intended parents recognize and appreciate the incredible commitment you are considering making as a gestational carrier.
- In exchange for your time, dedication, and sacrifice, the intended parents provide three types of surrogate pay, usually totaling $38,000 – $50,000:
- Competitive base compensation
- Additional payments based on the course of the pregnancy
- Coverage of all surrogacy services and reimbursement for any expenses incurred during the process.
- You are in good hands with them.
- The fourth and final one is the California Center for Reproductive Medicine – CACRM is another place for you as a prospective surrogate mother. Coming to California, and you are looking for a job as a surrogate mother, this agency is just right for you.
They pay amply well and also link you to available surrogacy jobs, and the best part is that you choose the intended parent you wanna work with, not the other way around in which they choose for you.
I mean you are in good hands with them. What more can you ask for?
But if you still wanna go with Growing Generations, then get ready for the hassle and tussle you will pass through to reach the level of being the “highest paid surrogate mother”.
I am telling you the stress is real and I would say – unhealthy for you and the baby you are carrying, and you know where that road leads to.
But if you just want good pay that is ample for your needs with no stress involved, then go with any of the surrogate agencies I recommended.
I will as well tell you the necessary tips on how to find the best surrogate compensation out there for you, so as not to get underpaid or paid unfavorably.
Tips for Choosing the Best Surrogate Compensation for Your Situation
So, with so much misinformation out there about surrogate compensation, how do you make sure that you are receiving the compensation rates that you deserve?
Before choosing a surrogacy professional, every surrogate should make sure to speak with a prospective agency or attorney in person or on the phone.
Your surrogacy professional will be there through every step of your surrogacy journey, so you must choose someone that you are 100 percent comfortable with.
As you put together a list of questions to ask a surrogacy professional, make sure you address these topics when it comes to compensation payments:
Does the compensation rate include surrogacy expenses, or are they separate?
When you are interviewing surrogacy agencies that pay the “most,” it’s important that you understand exactly how their surrogacy compensation rates are calculated. You can only compare professionals if their compensation rates include (or don’t include) the same expenses and payments.
To be the highest-paid surrogate mother you can be, we recommend you evaluate and compare surrogacy professionals based on a compensation rate that only includes the money you will be directly paid — money you can do with as you please, not money that will be used to cover surrogacy- and pregnancy-expenses.
It may take a little bit of digging and research to determine what this number is, but the best surrogacy professionals will offer it to you in the spirit of transparency and honesty.
Is the professional transparent about their surrogacy compensation payment outline?
Unfortunately, not all surrogacy professionals will freely offer up a base compensation rate. They may try to explain why a flat rate isn’t possible or try to convince you that their method of calculation is what is best for a woman in your situation. If a professional will not freely discuss the details of their compensation rate, that is a huge red flag.
Just because a professional promotes itself as a “highest-paying” surrogate agency doesn’t mean it will provide the support you need during your journey.
If they can’t be bothered to explain their compensation payment outline, it’s a good sign they’re just interested in getting you to sign up with their program — not concerned with what is best for you.
Does the professional offer other benefits than simply the “best” surrogate compensation?
Surrogacy compensation can play a role in choosing a surrogacy professional, but it shouldn’t be your only deciding factor.
Being a surrogate is hard work; you’ll need a professional who is committed to supporting your physical, emotional, and mental health every step of the way, too.
In addition to looking for the “best” surrogate compensation, look for a professional who wants to get to know you personally, including your personal preferences and goals for the surrogacy process.
Look for someone who will be there for you before, during, and after your pregnancy, and will take steps to ensure your rights and interests are protected from the moment you begin.
A positive surrogacy journey isn’t all about payment; it’s about feeling supported and appreciated by all parties involved.
Knowing the answers to these questions will play a huge role in determining whether a certain professional can offer the best surrogate compensation for your situation, preferences, and needs.
That’s why speaking with a surrogacy professional is so important as you prepare to start this journey. That way, you’ll have the information you need to proceed.
The truth behind finding the “Highest-Paying” surrogacy agency in California
You know that your services as a surrogate are in high demand — and for good reason. You can help a family complete a lifelong goal, and that choice is something to be rewarded.
While we know you’re not solely motivated by surrogate compensation, we recognize it’s probably an important part of your decision.
And, when you see ads claiming you can make up to $60,000 or more as a gestational carrier, you may be tempted to work with those highest-paying surrogate agencies.
But this “best” surrogate compensation isn’t telling the whole truth. Big, national surrogacy agencies frequently advertise numbers that don’t quite tell the whole story when it comes to money in your pocket during this journey.
Many surrogates get hooked on advertisements promising the “best” surrogate compensation. But you must understand the whole picture before you sign on with an agency promising you an exorbitant amount of money.
Surrogacy agencies that pay “the most” often include medical expenses and reimbursements in their overall figures.
This isn’t money to do with as you wish; this is money you’ll receive during the process to pay for your surrogacy- and pregnancy-related costs.
So, that “best” surrogate compensation you’re seeing isn’t money in your pocket, but rather, it’s money you’ll have to spend on related expenses along the way.
To become a “highest-paid surrogate mother,” you’ll need to work with intended parents from a different economy than the place you are staying. Most national surrogacy agencies cater to intended parents in California and other countries.
They will be able to pay more than your local parents, but it means you’ll have to complete a long-distance surrogacy with intended parents you’ll only meet a few times.
You may also be matched with an international couple who may not speak your language or be able to communicate regularly around your schedule.
Many of the surrogates I know are interested in personal, genuine relationships with their intended parents. When you’re just a number to a large, national agency, you lose that experience.
Some surrogates decide this trade-off is worth it to receive the highest surrogate compensation possible. It’s a decision you’ll need to make for yourself. What is more important to you: money or the surrogacy experience of your dreams?
Bornfertilelady’s take on this
Choosing a surrogacy agency is about more than just finding the best surrogate compensation. Find out how to decipher compensation rates to decide which agency is right for you.
When you’re first thinking of becoming a surrogate, there may be one thing on your mind: finding the highest-paying surrogacy agency for your situation.
Even if compensation isn’t your main motivation for becoming a gestational carrier, it can certainly sway your choice of professional, all things considered.
As you look for surrogacy agencies that pay the most, you will likely come across compensation rates that astonish you. Many surrogacy agencies will advertise their surrogacy rates at $60,000 and higher.
Seems too good to be true, right? That’s because it probably is.
Offering the highest-paid surrogacy for prospective carriers is one of the most effective recruiting techniques out there for surrogacy agencies.
Even women who aren’t interested in compensation can be attracted by the high rates promised by national agencies. But, in most cases, the “best” surrogate compensation isn’t all that it’s made out to be.
In this article, I hope to debunk some of the myths surrounding compensation rates offered by the surrogacy agencies that (seem to) pay the most.
To have the most successful surrogacy journey possible, you first need to understand the complexities behind the process, and that starts with the complicated, often-misleading surrogate base compensation.
Many “Highest-Paying” surrogacy agencies never tell the whole story. The internet can be a great advantage to women hoping to become gestational carriers. But, it’s not always a source of reliable, truthful information.
One example? Certain surrogacy agencies use internet search results to advertise inaccurate surrogate compensation rates — all to suck in unsuspecting and unaware prospective gestational carriers.
It’s human nature for people to focus on the headlines. When you search for compensation information, and you see search results advertising rates up to $60,000, $70,000, and even $80,000, it’s normal to click on those links first.
You want the best surrogate compensation possible, and those higher numbers seem to promise you what other agencies can’t.
However, those numbers don’t tell the whole truth. Many surrogacy agencies make an advertising technique out of offering misleading compensation rates in internet search results, only to offer much less once you have started the surrogacy process with their agency.
How do they do this? The agencies tend to combine base compensation rates (the money in your pocket to do as you please) with reimbursement and payments for other surrogacy costs, such as pregnancy and medical expenses.
To that end, the “best” surrogate compensation they offer you is a combination of all the payments you’ll receive during surrogacy and many of which are simple to get you through the added expenses of a surrogacy journey.
Take, for example, West Coast Surrogacy. This agency often pops up near the top when you Google “surrogacy compensation,” with results advertising compensation rates from $50,000–$80,000.
However, when you dig deeper into their compensation charts, you quickly realize that number is not offered to everyone.
The agency sets its “advertised” surrogate compensation based on the rates for surrogates in California, where there is greater demand for surrogates, the cost of living is higher and surrogates are regularly paid more than in other states. Don’t live in California? Don’t expect to get anywhere near that much money.
Their website states clearly: “The average amount of compensation, including expenses, can range from $50,000 to $80,000 depending on experience and the individual arrangements.”
So, in short, even experienced gestational carriers aren’t taking home $80,000 in base compensation to do as they wish. That $80,000 includes payments that the agency expects to cover expenses associated with being a surrogate (such as maternity clothes, travel, and more).
West Coast Surrogacy isn’t alone in using this technique. If you see a “highest-paying” surrogate agency offering extremely attractive compensation rates, odds are that the reality is a little different than what’s shown in their internet ad.
Please be informed.
There are things you must consider when searching for the “highest paying surrogacy agency in California.
With all of these professionals advertising themselves as the “highest-paying surrogacy agency,” how does a prospective surrogate mother or gestational carrier find a professional who is honest with you about their true base compensation rate?
It requires a little bit of work and research. If you, as a gestational carrier, are choosing a surrogacy agency, you shouldn’t just go with the first professional you talk to.
There are a lot of options out there for great local and national surrogacy agencies, and many of them will be completely transparent with you about their base compensation rate.
But, not all of them will, so coming into a meeting with a professional being prepared will be the key to getting the answers you need.
There are a lot of questions a prospective surrogate should ask an agency she’s considering. When you start talking about surrogate compensation, ask these questions:
- What does your compensation rate include? What doesn’t it include?
- How will my medical, pregnancy, and other surrogacy expenses be paid for?
- How will my experience and location play a role in my total compensation rate?
- How will my compensation be paid out — monthly? By trimester?
- Who will manage the escrow service for my compensation payments?
- What are the conditions for receiving my surrogate payments?
Only by having all the information you need can you determine whether a professional can offer the best surrogate compensation for your situation.
But, finding out where you can be the highest-paid surrogate mother shouldn’t be your only concern when searching for a surrogacy agency.
An attractive surrogate compensation rate can be important, but it’s nowhere near as important as finding a professional who will provide all the support you need during this journey.
Being a surrogate can be hard; you want to make sure that the professional you choose will be there for you whenever you need them. No amount of base compensation can make up for an unsupportive surrogacy professional.
All right, guys, that is it for now for the highest paying surrogacy agency in California. I hope Bornfertilelady answered any questions you had concerning this.
And always remember that Bornfertilelady is one of the best health sites out there that genuinely care for expecting parents – even surrogate mothers, and you can find valuable information on all things about surrogacy on this site.
It is founded by a pregnancy expert and a mother of two, and the platform offers resources on prenatal nutrition, including information on the best things to do during pregnancy and insightful tips on how to have a healthier lifestyle as a mom – even as a surrogate mom (pregnant and delivered).