Compensation for Egg Donors: How Much Can You Make?

Egg donation is a wonderful gift from generous women who enable other individuals the opportunity to enjoy parenthood. Egg donors are also able to enjoy monetary compensation in return for their time and dedication to the egg donation process. Understanding how much a donor earns and the factors that influence the amount is beneficial for those considering egg donation. Factors such as egg donor qualifications, location and clinic policies usually determine the amount of compensation. 

In this article we shall have an indepth look at the average payout for egg donors, factors that influence compensation, the highest paying egg donation clinics as well as the payment schedules and tax considerations.   

Average Payout for Egg Donors

The American society for reproductive medicine (ASRM) offers guidelines for egg donor compensation basing its emphasis on transparency and fairness. It cites the compensation as a cover for time spent during the egg donation process, as well as the inconvenience and the medical processes involved and not the number of eggs retrieved. The ASRM averages the compensation of egg donors to between $5,000 and $10,000 per cycle although there are clinics that offer much higher compensation rates. 

Factors That Influence Compensation

Egg donor compensation is dependent upon varied factors including donor characteristics, recipient’s preference, the type of donation as well as the location as shown below.

• Donor characteristics: The younger an egg donor the more desirable the eggs due to better quality. Those with desirable abilities and advanced degrees and those who come from ethnic backgrounds that have desirable or rare qualities may receive a higher compensation.
• Recipient’s preference: Donors may receive a higher compensation if they meet specific traits in demand by the recipients.
• The type of donation: There are two kinds of donations; fresh egg donations and those taken to donor banks. Egg donation to the egg banks generally receive a lower compensation compared to those matched with intended parents. Additionally, repeat egg donors will also receive a higher pay.
• Location: Donors who donate their eggs to clinics in urban areas generally receive a higher pay due to higher costs of living.

Understanding the factors that influence egg donor compensation will enable those desiring to donate their eggs to make informed decisions that will lead to a pleasant egg donation experience.

Highest-Paying Egg Donation Clinics

Different clinics offer varied compensation packages based on factors such as location, a donor’s qualities as well as the clinic’s policies. Some clinics may offer premium compensation particularly for individuals with rare and in-demand traits and those that are repeat donors. Clinics in high demand areas also offer higher compensation rates. Below is a list of some of the highest paying egg donation clinics in the country.

1. MyEggBank offers egg donor compensation ranging between $10,000 and $20,000 per cycle. They also offer incentives for any successful referrals depending on the number of egg donation cycles that they complete. 
2. Elite Fertility Solution’ s estimated compensation rate lies between $8,500 and $20,000 per cycle. This is dependent upon a donor’s personal travel and other expenses as well as other requirements. Additionally, they offer a $1000 compensation package should the donation cycle be cancelled through no fault of the donor.
3. The University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Health clinic offers its egg donors $14,000 for their efforts, time and travel costs. The payment is made once the egg donation process is completed. 
4. Just like MyEggBank, the Pacific Fertility Center’s compensation package is from $10,00 to $20,000 per egg donation cycle.
5. On the other hand, both the ConceiveAbilities and Hatch egg donation and surrogacy facilities have their starting pay from $10,000 for all applicants and may increase based on varied factors.

Cities with higher costs of living like San Francisco and New York offer higher compensation to attract donors as shown below:

Source: https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/fertility/how-much-can-you-get-paid-for-donating-eggs?srsltid=AfmBOooJ9M9hMkbE5wpzJqpwRJRbRzt53vqOXSkGWjspq9pRIJ41yox2

Payment Schedule & Tax Considerations

Egg donors will generally receive payment in installments at different stages of the egg donation process. These installments vary from clinic to clinic and are based on several factors. Below is a breakdown of what to expect:

1. There is the initial payment made to all participants during registration and before they are selected as suitable candidates. This is usually a small stipend for completing the initial screening although this is not common in all clinics.
2. The first installment is then made upon selection as a successful candidate based on the screenings and medical tests. 
3. The final installment is usually made after egg retrieval. It is usually the bulk of the compensation sum.

Please note that in some clinics egg donors get paid a sum of between $100 and $300 per day in lost wages in case the donor needs to take time off of work to attend the frequent clinic visits. Additionally the donor may also receive $100 to $200 per day to cater for childcare costs. Incentives are also offered for referrals. Repeat egg donors and those with desirable genetic traits will generally receive a higher pay. 

The egg donor is required  by the International Revenue Service (IRS) to declare their earnings as egg donor compensation is considered taxable income. The egg donor agency will normally issue form 1099 which the egg donor uses to file their taxes. It is important for the egg donor to consult with a tax specialist to understand tax requirements and avoid penalties.

Egg donation is a selfless process that gifts individuals and couples struggling with infertility the chance to enjoy parenthood while also offering the egg donors monetary compensation. Understanding the factors that influence egg donor compensation, the tax implications and desirable individual traits may help a donor make informed decisions on whether to choose egg donation or not. Consult our highly skilled professionals at the Fertility Associates of Memphis to discuss all you need to know about egg donor compensation requirements today!

FAQ

How much do egg donors get paid?

Egg donor compensation ranges from $7,000 to $15,000 per cycle based on the location.

Are there additional benefits besides payment?

Yes, egg donors also receive free medical evaluations and fertility assessments.