The short version: egg donors typically earn $8,000–$15,000+ per cycle
and gestational surrogates earn $45,000–$75,000+ in base compensation per journey, plus covered
medical, legal, and travel costs. This is the egg and surrogacy slice of the cross-vertical
Donation Economy Pay Index.
Egg donation pay by program
Egg donation is the highest per-event payout in the donation economy that fits inside a single season. A cycle runs about two to three months, and pay is released after the retrieval that completes it. Below is what each program in our dataset publishes for donors.
| Program | Pay per cycle | Who qualifies | When paid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shady Grove Fertility | $8,000–$15,000+ per cycle | Women 21–34, non-smoker, healthy BMI (generally under 30), regular cycles, and able to pass medical and genetic screening; living within reach of an SGF location helps | Paid after you complete your donation cycle (egg retrieval); partial milestones may apply during screening |
| HelpCreateFamilies (Egg Donor) | $8,000–$12,000+ per cycle | Women 21–34, non-smoker, healthy BMI, regular cycles, passing medical and genetic screening | Paid after you complete your donation cycle (egg retrieval) |
Surrogate pay by program
Surrogacy is the largest single figure across every donation vertical. Base compensation is paid in installments across the pregnancy after medical clearance, and every major expense is covered separately.
| Program | Base compensation | Who qualifies | When paid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Circle Surrogacy | $45,000–$75,000+ | Women 21–40, at least one prior healthy pregnancy, currently raising a child, healthy BMI, non-smoker, and able to pass medical and psychological screening | Base paid in installments across the pregnancy after medical clearance and confirmed heartbeat; expenses reimbursed throughout |
| EDSI (Egg Donor & Surrogacy Institute) | $50,000–$70,000+ | Women 21–40, prior healthy pregnancy, currently parenting, healthy BMI, non-smoker, passing medical and psychological screening | Base paid across the pregnancy after contracts are signed and medical clearance; EDSI is known for reaching the contract stage quickly |
| HelpCreateFamilies (Surrogate) | $50,000–$70,000+ | Women 21–40, prior healthy pregnancy, currently raising a child, healthy BMI, non-smoker, passing screening | Base paid in installments across the pregnancy after clearance; expenses reimbursed throughout |
How egg and surrogacy pay compares across the donation economy
For the full cross-vertical picture, including how egg donation and surrogacy stack up against plasma, sperm donation, and host-family hosting, see the full cross-vertical pay data in the Donation Economy Pay Index. For state-level detail, use our egg donor pay by state and surrogate pay by state breakdowns.
Methodology: compiled from 5 egg and surrogacy programs,
using each program's published, candidate-facing pay ranges. Verified monthly. Last updated July 31, 2026.
Maintained by Mac Stafford. Figures are typical ranges, not guarantees; acceptance is competitive and
pay varies by experience and location.
Frequently asked questions
How much do egg donors get paid per cycle?
First-time egg donors typically earn $8,000 to $10,000 per completed cycle. Repeat and experienced donors reach $10,000 to $15,000 or more. Pay is generally released after the egg retrieval that completes your cycle.
How much do surrogates make?
Gestational surrogates generally earn $45,000 to $75,000 or more in base compensation per journey, on top of covered medical, legal, and travel costs plus monthly allowances. First-time surrogates start near the lower end and experienced surrogates reach the top.
How long does an egg donation cycle take?
About two to three months from the start of medications through the retrieval, including screening, injections, and monitoring appointments.
Do you get paid more as a repeat egg donor?
Yes. Proven donors are in high demand, so repeat cycles typically pay at the higher end of the range, often $10,000 to $15,000 or more.