Egg donors give the ultimate gift — the gift of life. That contribution comes with a price, and rightfully so — it’s a personal, precious item. It’s only fair that egg donors make a certain amount of money when they donate their eggs.
So, how much do egg donors make?
The numbers vary, but here is a rough estimate:
- First time egg donors: $6,000 – $10,000+
- Repeat donor: $12,000+
- Specialty donor: $12,000-$50,000+
With each donation, an egg donor gets an increase in her fee.
Most first time donors are compensated between $6,000 to $10,000+ for their first egg retrieval. Experienced (or repeat) donors can make anywhere from $10,000 to $12,000+, with an increase each time for each additional cycle.
Why Do Specialty Egg Donors Make More?
Specialty donors, who are classified as “unique” earn a higher compensation fee on their first egg donation. That higher compensation increases with each additional egg donation. These “unique” donors usually exhibit certain qualities, ethnicities, education, or exceptional talents.
Some types of donors are in more demand than others. For example, those with certain Asian ethnicities, such as Chinese, Japanese or Korean, are in higher demand and therefore earn a higher compensation for donating eggs. Those who are enrolled or previously graduated from Ivy League schools are another example of “unique” donors who are in high demand and earn a higher compensation.
Beyond the Compensation
Yes, those who donate eggs can make money by providing the precious gift of life. But they also get much more than that. Additional benefits given to egg donors include:
- Per Diem (allowance for meals and incidentals)
- Ground travel/transport
- Airfare and lodging
- Legal fees
- Egg donor insurance
- Travel companion expenses
- Medical and psychological expenses
When Does an Egg Donor Get Paid?
Compensation doesn’t happen all at once. In most cases, there are two payments. For example, a first time egg donor with a total compensation fee of $10,000 will get the first payment when the process starts — usually when they begin taking medication to prepare the ovaries for egg retrieval. This first payment is usually between $2,000 to $4,000. After the egg retrieval takes place, the egg donor will get the remaining balance according to their contract.
How Much Money Can an Egg Donor Make During Their Lifetime?
Now you know the average compensation for an egg donor depending on if they’re a first timer, repeater, or specialty. Because you can donate eggs more than once, repeaters have the capability to earn a large sum of money.
According to the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), women can donate their eggs a maximum of six times during their lifetime. If you do the math, the grand total compensation for donating eggs six times could be $70,000 or more.
The gift of an egg to Intended Parent(s) is invaluable, but donors deserve to be compensated for this life-changing donation. The Fertility Agency strives to provide egg donors with fair compensation as well as additional benefits. We’ll also make sure every egg donor gets paid promptly in accordance with their contract. Learn more about compensation for egg donation today.
Surrogacy and Egg Donor Services
Since 2004, The Fertility Agency has helped bring over 1100+ babies into the world. We work with all intended parents, surrogates, and egg donors no matter their sexual preference, relationship status, ethnicity, location, etc. Our personal experiences and years of expertise provide us with the perfect balance of business and passion. Contact us for more information.
