first time surrogate
First Time Surrogate: Everything You Need to Know Before You Apply
Being a first time surrogate is a bold, generous decision. Here's exactly what to expect — from your first phone call to delivery day — so you can move forward with confidence.
Quick Answer
- Rocky Mountain Surrogacy pays first-time surrogates $60,000 base compensation plus a $300 monthly allowance and additional benefits
- You must be 21–38, have a healthy BMI of 19–32, have completed at least one prior successful pregnancy, and currently be parenting or closely involved with that child
- The full process from application to delivery typically takes 12–24 months
- Rocky Mountain Surrogacy provides 24/7 support and a dedicated coordinator from day one, and can refer you to a trusted independent attorney
What a First Time Surrogate Journey Looks Like
Your journey as a first time surrogate has four stages. You apply. You match with parents. You do legal and medical work. Then you carry the baby.
First, you fill out an online form. Our team reads it and calls you. If it's a good fit, we match you with parents who need a surrogate.
Next comes legal and medical screening. You get your own lawyer. The clinic runs blood tests and an ultrasound. A counselor meets with you too.
Then pregnancy starts. You go to regular doctor visits near home. Our team is with you 24/7. The Office on Women's Health has resources on staying healthy during pregnancy.
The whole thing takes 12 to 24 months from start to finish. Rocky Mountain Surrogacy walks beside you at every step through our four-stage process.
Application, matching, legal and medical screening, and pregnancy through delivery.
First Time Surrogate Qualifications
You must meet a few health rules to be a first time surrogate. These keep you and the baby safe.
You need to be 21 to 38 years old. You need a healthy BMI. You must have had at least one baby before with no big problems. You must also still be raising that child, or close to them.
You can't smoke. You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
The agency looks first for surrogates in Idaho, Utah, Nevada, and Texas. Washington, Oregon, and Arizona come next. These rules are Rocky Mountain Surrogacy's own. The agency sets the age cap at 38 itself. ASRM guidelines allow carriers up to age 45. See our guide to surrogacy age rules and why they matter. The Office on Women's Health also has good tips on staying well during pregnancy.
If you're 21–38, have a healthy BMI, and have delivered at least one baby without complications — you're on the right track. You should also be currently parenting or closely involved with that child, and be a non-smoker.
- Age 21–38
- Healthy BMI
- At least one prior successful pregnancy
- Currently parenting or closely involved with that child
- Non-smoker
- U.S. citizen or permanent resident
How Much Does a First Time Surrogate Earn
First time surrogate base pay starts at $60,000. That's just the base. You also get a monthly allowance. And you get extra benefits too.
If you come back as a repeat surrogate, base pay goes up to $70,000. But even the first time package is strong. It shows how much your time and effort matter.
Your pay follows a set schedule. Each payment is tied to a pregnancy milestone. Your contract spells it all out before you start. No surprises.
See the full list on our surrogate compensation page.
First time surrogates start at $60,000 in base compensation, plus a monthly allowance and additional benefits.
Your Next Step as a First Time Surrogate
If you meet the rules and want to help a family, the next step is easy. Fill out the form online.
Our team reads every application by hand. You hear back in a few days. Then we set up a call to answer your questions.
Right now, there are not enough surrogates. Parents at Rocky Mountain Surrogacy are on a waitlist. Your choice to apply could be the reason a family finally comes together.
Our founder, Tess Hine, was a surrogate twice. She built this agency to give every surrogate a caring, personal experience.
Intended parents are currently on a waitlist. Your application could be the reason a family's dream comes true.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a first time surrogate get paid?
Rocky Mountain Surrogacy pays first-time surrogates $60,000 base compensation, plus a $300 monthly allowance and additional benefits outlined in your contract. All medical and legal costs are covered separately.
Do I need to have had a baby before to be a surrogate?
Yes — you must have at least one prior successful pregnancy with no major complications, and you must currently be parenting or actively involved with that child. This is a standard requirement that follows ASRM's gestational carrier guidelines and confirms your body can safely carry a pregnancy to term.
How long does the surrogacy process take?
The full process from application to delivery typically takes 12–24 months at Rocky Mountain Surrogacy, depending on matching speed and medical timelines.
Am I genetically related to the baby?
No — in gestational surrogacy, the embryo is created from the intended parents' or donors' eggs and sperm. You carry the pregnancy but share no genetic connection to the child.
Does Rocky Mountain Surrogacy support me throughout the journey?
Yes — you get a dedicated coordinator, 24/7 support, and a referral to a trusted independent attorney. Rocky Mountain Surrogacy has been matching surrogates with families since 2007.