How Much Can You Make Donating Stool in 2026? Complete Poop Donation Pay Guide

Stool donation is quietly one of the highest-paying biological donation opportunities available in 2026. While most people have never heard of selling their poop, qualified donors are earning anywhere from $500 to $1,500 per week — and rare "super donors" with exceptional gut microbiomes can pull in up to $180,000 per year. Here is everything you need to know about stool donation pay, which programs are currently accepting donors, and how to maximize your chances of qualifying.

Why Does Stool Donation Pay So Much?

If you are wondering why anyone would pay hundreds of dollars for human feces, the answer lies in a rapidly expanding field of medicine called fecal microbiota transplantation, or FMT. Researchers have discovered that the trillions of bacteria living in a healthy human gut — your gut microbiome — can be transferred to patients suffering from conditions like Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) infection, inflammatory bowel disease, and a growing list of conditions linked to gut dysbiosis.

The FDA approved the first FMT-derived treatment, Rebyota, in 2022. A second product, Vowst, followed in 2023. As of 2026, clinical research is actively investigating FMT for conditions ranging from autism and depression to obesity and autoimmune disease. Demand for high-quality donor stool has never been higher — and supply remains extremely tight.

Here is the core problem: finding a truly healthy human gut is shockingly difficult. Modern diets, antibiotic overuse, sedentary lifestyles, and environmental exposures have degraded the gut microbiomes of most adults. When stool banks screen applicants, they typically reject 97 out of every 100 people who apply. That 3% acceptance rate is what drives compensation so high. Your stool is only worth premium money if your gut is exceptional — but if it is, programs will compete for access to it.

Major Stool Donation Programs and What They Pay in 2026

Not all stool banks are created equal. Compensation varies dramatically based on the program's funding model, client base, and the level of microbiome quality they require. Here is a breakdown of every significant program operating in 2026.

OpenBiome — Closed to New Donors as of 2024

OpenBiome was the pioneer of stool banking in the United States, founded in 2012 by MIT researchers. At its peak, it was the most accessible stool bank in the country, accepting donors near its Cambridge, Massachusetts facility. Compensation was structured at $40 per approved donation plus a $50 bonus for every fifth consecutive donation — meaning consistent donors earned roughly $50 per visit on average.

Unfortunately, OpenBiome closed its donor program to new applicants in 2024 as it transitioned its focus to manufacturing standardized FMT products. Existing donors remained in the program, but no new enrollments are being processed. We include it here for reference and because program status can change — check their website directly if you are interested.

• Pay per donation: $40 base + $50 bonus per 5 donations
• Effective per-donation rate: ~$50
• Status: Closed to new donors as of 2024
• Location: Boston, MA area

GoodNature Program — Currently Accepting Donors

GoodNature is currently the most prominent stool bank actively recruiting new donors in the United States. Operating out of multiple collection sites, GoodNature pays $50–$100 per approved donation, with the higher end reserved for donors who maintain daily donation schedules and pass ongoing quality reviews.

The program is designed around daily donation. Accepted donors who commit to donating five to seven days per week can earn $500–$1,500 per week. That works out to roughly $26,000–$78,000 per year at the upper end for donors who maintain perfect attendance and quality scores. GoodNature also offers milestone bonuses and loyalty incentives for long-term donors.

• Pay per donation: $50–$100
• Daily donors (5–7x/week): $500–$1,500/week
• Annual potential: $26,000–$78,000
• Status: Actively accepting applicants
• Location: Multiple US sites — check website for nearest location

Human Microbes — Highest Paying Program for Super Donors

Human Microbes is a stool bank that occupies a category entirely its own. While other programs pay per donation based on volume and consistency, Human Microbes pays up to $500 per stool sample — but only for donors with truly extraordinary microbiomes. The program targets what researchers call "super donors": individuals whose gut bacteria demonstrate exceptional diversity, stability, and therapeutic efficacy in FMT treatments.

The acceptance bar at Human Microbes is extraordinarily high. The program estimates that fewer than 0.1% of the general population meets their standards. Those who do qualify and maintain active donor status report annual earnings in the range of $100,000–$180,000. This is not a realistic target for the average applicant — but it represents the true ceiling of stool donation compensation.

• Pay per sample: Up to $500
• Annual potential: $100,000–$180,000 for active super donors
• Status: Accepts applications, extremely selective
• Acceptance rate: Less than 0.1% of applicants
• Note: Samples can often be shipped — check with program for logistics

University Research Programs — Most Accessible Entry Point

Academic medical centers and university hospitals run ongoing FMT research studies that require healthy stool donors. These programs are typically more accessible than commercial stool banks, with slightly relaxed criteria focused on research eligibility rather than commercial-grade therapeutic use.

Compensation at university programs ranges from $25–$75 per sample, depending on the institution and study protocol. These programs are less consistent — you are paid per study enrollment rather than as an ongoing donor — but they serve as an excellent starting point for those who want to enter the stool donation space and build a track record. Major academic medical centers running FMT programs include institutions affiliated with Harvard, Mayo Clinic, UCSF, and Johns Hopkins.

• Pay per sample: $25–$75
• Frequency: Study-dependent, not always ongoing
• Acceptance rate: Higher than commercial banks
• How to find programs: Search ClinicalTrials.gov for "fecal microbiota transplant donor"

BiomeBank — International Option Based in Australia

BiomeBank is Australia's largest stool bank and one of the most established FMT programs in the world. For US-based donors who are unable to qualify for domestic programs or who spend time in Australia, BiomeBank represents a legitimate international option. Their screening criteria are broadly similar to US programs, and compensation is paid in Australian dollars — roughly equivalent to $40–$80 USD per donation depending on exchange rates.

BiomeBank also collaborates with international researchers and may accept remote applicants for specific studies. If you have a strong microbiome profile and have struggled to qualify domestically, contacting BiomeBank directly is worth exploring.

Full Program Comparison Table: Stool Donation Pay 2026

What Makes a "Super Donor"? The Gut Microbiome Standard Programs Look For

The term "super donor" comes from clinical research showing that not all FMT donors produce equal therapeutic outcomes. In studies, a small subset of donors consistently produced better patient results than others — even when controlling for the condition being treated. Researchers traced this difference back to specific characteristics in the donor microbiome.

If you are hoping to qualify for a top-tier program like Human Microbes, understanding what makes a super donor will help you assess your realistic chances — and what lifestyle factors you might optimize.

Key Super Donor Characteristics

• Exceptional microbiome diversity: A wide variety of bacterial species, particularly in the Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes phyla, with a healthy Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes (F/B) ratio
• Keystone species presence: High levels of beneficial bacteria like Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Akkermansia muciniphila, and Bifidobacterium species
• Low pathogen burden: No detectable harmful bacteria, parasites, or viruses including C. diff, Salmonella, E. coli O157, Norovirus, and others
• Consistent quality over time: Microbiome composition stays stable across multiple samples taken weeks or months apart
• Clean antibiotic history: No antibiotic use in the past 6–12 months (antibiotics devastate microbiome diversity)
• BMI in the normal range: Most programs require BMI between 18.5 and 30; some are more restrictive at 18.5–25
• No chronic conditions: No autoimmune disease, IBS, IBD, metabolic syndrome, or history of GI disorders

Super donors often grew up in environments with lower antibiotic exposure, ate diverse whole-food diets throughout childhood, and have maintained those habits into adulthood. Some researchers believe genetics play a role in baseline microbiome composition — but lifestyle is the dominant factor that programs actually assess.

The Screening Process: Why 97% of Applicants Are Rejected

The multi-stage screening process used by commercial stool banks is one of the most thorough in all of biological donation. Stool banks bear significant liability if a donated sample transmits disease, so their standards are exceptionally rigorous. Here is what the typical process looks like from application to first paid donation.

Stage 1: Health Questionnaire (Disqualifies ~50–60%)

The initial questionnaire covers your medical history, current medications, recent travel (especially to regions with high infectious disease burden), dietary habits, sexual history, and lifestyle factors. Common automatic disqualifiers include:

• Any antibiotic use in the past 3–6 months
• History of IBS, IBD, Crohn's disease, or ulcerative colitis
• Recent international travel to high-risk regions
• High-risk sexual behaviors
• BMI outside the acceptable range
• Current prescription medication use (many medications affect microbiome)
• History of C. diff infection
• Autoimmune conditions

Stage 2: Blood Tests (Disqualifies ~20–30% of Remaining)

Applicants who pass the questionnaire proceed to a blood draw. Tests typically include a complete metabolic panel, complete blood count, infectious disease markers (HIV, Hepatitis A/B/C, syphilis, CMV), and inflammatory markers. Abnormal results in any category — even subclinical issues — typically result in deferral.

Stage 3: Stool Tests (Disqualifies ~40–50% of Remaining)

This is where most applicants encounter failure even after passing blood work. Stool samples are tested for a comprehensive panel of pathogens including bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi. They are also analyzed for microbiome composition via 16S rRNA sequencing or metagenomic sequencing. Candidates with insufficient diversity, problematic bacterial populations, or any pathogen detection are disqualified.

Stage 4: Lifestyle Assessment and Ongoing Monitoring

Accepted donors are not done being screened. Programs conduct ongoing quarterly re-screening to verify that the microbiome quality and health status that earned the donor their spot remain intact. A single course of antibiotics for a dental procedure, for example, can suspend a donor's participation for six months or longer.

How to Maximize Your Chances of Acceptance

If you believe you have a strong baseline gut health profile, there are specific steps you can take in the 30–60 days before applying to optimize your microbiome and improve your chances of clearing the stool testing stage.

Diet Optimization (30 Days Before Application)

• Increase dietary fiber dramatically: Aim for 35–50 grams per day from diverse plant sources. Each plant species you eat regularly adds bacterial species that feed on it.
• Eat 30+ different plant foods per week: Research by the American Gut Project showed that people who ate 30+ plant varieties weekly had significantly more diverse microbiomes than those who ate fewer than 10.
• Add fermented foods daily: Plain yogurt with live cultures, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, and kombucha all introduce beneficial bacterial species.
• Eliminate ultra-processed foods: Emulsifiers, artificial sweeteners, and preservatives found in processed foods negatively affect microbiome composition.
• Minimize red meat and saturated fat: High red meat consumption is associated with higher levels of Bilophila wadsworthia, a bacterium linked to gut inflammation.

Exercise, Sleep, and Lifestyle

• Exercise regularly: Aerobic exercise — even 30 minutes of brisk walking five days per week — measurably increases Firmicutes diversity and overall microbial richness within four to six weeks.
• Prioritize sleep: Chronic sleep deprivation (under 6 hours per night) disrupts the gut-brain axis and is associated with lower microbiome diversity. Aim for 7–9 hours consistently.
• Avoid unnecessary antibiotics: This is non-negotiable. Do not take antibiotics for viral infections. If you require antibiotics for any reason, wait at least 6 months before applying.
• Limit alcohol: Heavy alcohol use decreases beneficial Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium populations and increases pathogenic bacteria. Most programs require no more than moderate consumption.
• Manage stress: Chronic psychological stress alters gut motility and microbiome composition via the gut-brain axis. Regular meditation, exercise, or other stress management practices are beneficial.

Consider Pre-Application Microbiome Testing

Before investing time in a formal application, consider purchasing a consumer microbiome test through services like Viome, Thorne, or uBiome-successor services. While these tests are not equivalent to the clinical sequencing used by stool banks, they can give you a rough picture of whether your diversity and beneficial species populations are in the right range. If your test shows very low diversity or dominant pathogenic species, you can work to improve those markers before applying.

See our guide on microbiome testing for stool donors for a full breakdown of which tests are worth taking before you apply.

Daily Donation Logistics: What the Routine Actually Looks Like

If you are picturing something awkward and clinical, the daily logistics of stool donation are actually far more routine than you might expect. Most programs have engineered their collection processes to be as straightforward as possible — because they need donors to show up reliably, every day.

Morning Routine for Facility-Based Donors

Most programs that accept daily donors prefer morning donations, typically collected before 10 AM. Fresh samples have the highest bacterial viability and are preferred for both immediate use and cryopreservation. The typical facility-based routine looks like this:

• Arrive at the donation facility in the morning (most donors commute 15–45 minutes)
• Check in and complete any daily health attestation forms
• Use a private collection room with a collection hat (a plastic tray that fits over the toilet bowl)
• Complete your natural morning bowel movement — no prep, no dietary restriction on donation day
• Hand off the labeled collection container to staff
• Receive payment confirmation (most programs pay same-day electronically)
• Total time at facility: 20–45 minutes

Home Collection (Applicable to Some Programs)

Programs like Human Microbes have pioneered home collection with overnight shipping to their processing facility. If you qualify for a remote program, the process involves:

• The program ships you pre-labeled, sterile collection kits
• You collect at home using the provided supplies
• Samples are sealed and placed in a temperature-maintaining shipping container
• You ship the sample overnight via FedEx or UPS using a pre-paid label provided by the program
• The program tests and approves the sample, then sends payment

Not all samples survive overnight shipping with sufficient bacterial viability. Home collection programs have higher rejection rates per sample, but for donors who cannot access a facility, it is the only option.

Tax Implications of Stool Donation Income

Yes, stool donation income is taxable. The IRS treats compensation for biological donations as ordinary income, similar to freelance or self-employment income. There is no donation exemption for fecal material — despite the "donation" branding that stool banks use, the IRS views these payments as compensation for a service.

Key Tax Facts for Stool Donors

• 1099-NEC or 1099-MISC: Programs will issue a tax form if your annual compensation exceeds $600. You are responsible for reporting all income even if you do not receive a form.
• Self-employment tax: Income is subject to the 15.3% self-employment tax in addition to ordinary income tax rates.
• Quarterly estimated taxes: If you expect to owe more than $1,000 in taxes for the year, the IRS requires quarterly estimated tax payments. Missing these results in penalties.
• Deductible expenses: Mileage driven to and from the donation facility is deductible at the standard IRS mileage rate. Track every trip.
• Set aside 25–35%: A reliable rule of thumb is to set aside 30% of every payment for federal and state taxes combined. This prevents a painful surprise at tax time.

If you are earning $20,000 or more annually from stool donation, consulting a CPA who works with self-employed individuals is a worthwhile investment. They can identify deductions specific to your situation and set up a quarterly payment schedule that keeps you compliant.

The Future of Stool Banking: Why Demand and Pay Are Growing

The stool banking industry is in a period of rapid expansion, driven by a combination of regulatory approvals, growing clinical evidence, and increasing awareness of the gut microbiome's role in systemic health. Here is what the next five years are likely to look like for prospective donors.

FDA Approvals Are Expanding

Following the approvals of Rebyota (2022) and Vowst (2023), multiple companies are in Phase 2 and Phase 3 clinical trials for FMT-derived treatments targeting conditions including ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome, hepatic encephalopathy, and graft-versus-host disease. Each approved indication creates new demand for donor stool. More approvals mean more programs, more facilities, and upward pressure on donor compensation.

New Programs Are Opening

The success of GoodNature and the clinical validation of FMT have attracted venture capital investment into the stool banking space. Multiple new stool banks announced plans to begin operations in 2025 and 2026, potentially opening new geographic locations and creating competition that could drive donor compensation higher. Watch the ClinicalTrials.gov database and keep an eye on news from microbiome-focused biotech companies for announcements.

The Long-Term Outlook for Donors

Unlike plasma donation — which has reached a relatively mature market with stable pricing — stool donation is still in its early commercial phase. Demand is growing faster than the supply of qualified donors. For individuals who qualify today and maintain their donor status, the long-term earning potential is likely to increase, not decrease, over the next decade as clinical applications for FMT continue to expand.

Frequently Asked Questions About Stool Donation Pay

Is donating stool gross? What is the experience actually like?

Most active donors report that the "gross factor" fades almost immediately after the first donation. You are using a private collection room with a clean collection hat placed over the toilet. You do your business exactly as you would at home. Staff handle the containers with gloves, and you never interact with the material again after handing it off. Within a week, most donors describe the experience as completely routine — indistinguishable from any other medical appointment.

How do I collect a stool sample at home for programs that allow it?

Programs that accept home collection ship you a kit containing a collection hat (a plastic tray that sits over your toilet bowl), sterile sample containers with preservative solution, labels, gloves, and detailed instructions. You collect during your natural bowel movement, transfer a portion of the sample into the labeled container using the provided scoop, seal it, and place it in the provided shipping box. The box is pre-labeled for overnight delivery and keeps the sample at an appropriate temperature during transit.

Can I ship stool samples to programs in other states or countries?

Yes, some programs — most notably Human Microbes — accept shipped samples from donors anywhere in the United States. International shipping of biological samples is more complicated due to customs regulations, but programs like BiomeBank in Australia work with international donors on a case-by-case basis. Always confirm shipping logistics with the specific program before applying, as regulations and program policies change.

How long does the screening process take before I get paid?

Expect the full screening process to take 4–8 weeks from initial application to your first paid donation. The questionnaire can often be completed online in under an hour. Blood draw appointments typically take 1–2 weeks to schedule and another week for results. Stool sample analysis via microbiome sequencing takes 2–4 weeks. If you pass all stages, onboarding typically takes another week before your first scheduled donation.

Do I have to donate every day, or can I donate a few times per week?

It depends entirely on the program. GoodNature and similar commercial stool banks strongly prefer daily donors because consistent supply is essential to their operations. Donors who commit to five or more donations per week receive higher per-donation pay and access to larger bonuses. University research programs are typically flexible, collecting samples on a schedule aligned with the study protocol — which might mean monthly or weekly rather than daily. If daily donation is not feasible for you, university programs are a better fit.

What if I need to take antibiotics while I am an active donor?

You must disclose any antibiotic use immediately to your program coordinator. Programs universally suspend donor activity during and after antibiotic courses, with most requiring a 3–6 month waiting period after your last dose before resuming donations. During this suspension period, you do not earn. Once eligible, you undergo repeat stool testing to confirm your microbiome has recovered before being cleared to donate again. This is one of the most important reasons active donors are extremely cautious about unnecessary antibiotic use.

Can I donate stool if I take daily prescription medications?

Medication eligibility is evaluated case by case, but most prescription medications are disqualifying. Many medications — particularly proton pump inhibitors, antidepressants (SSRIs), metformin, and hormonal medications — alter gut microbiome composition in ways that disqualify donors from most programs. Over-the-counter supplements, vitamins, and probiotics are generally acceptable and may even be encouraged. Always disclose all medications during the initial questionnaire — omitting medications is grounds for permanent disqualification if discovered.

How does stool donation pay compare to plasma or sperm donation?

Stool donation at commercial programs substantially outpays both plasma and sperm donation on an annual basis, for donors who qualify. Plasma donors typically earn $4,000–$6,000 per year donating twice weekly. Sperm donors average $6,000–$12,000 annually. Regular stool donors at programs like GoodNature earn $26,000–$78,000 per year. The tradeoff is that the stool donor acceptance rate (3%) is far lower than plasma (approximately 60–70%) or sperm (5–15%). The potential reward is much higher, but so is the bar to qualify.

Conclusion: Is Stool Donation Worth Pursuing?

Stool donation is not for everyone — and the 97% rejection rate means that most people reading this guide will not qualify for the top-paying commercial programs. But for the small percentage who do have exceptional gut microbiomes, fecal donation compensation is genuinely extraordinary. Earning $500–$1,500 per week for a daily 30-minute morning routine, while contributing to life-saving medical treatments, is one of the most unique income opportunities available today.

Even if you do not qualify for GoodNature or Human Microbes, university research programs offer a lower-barrier entry point with meaningful compensation. And for those who do not qualify at all today, the lifestyle changes outlined in this guide — dietary fiber, diverse plant intake, regular exercise, avoiding unnecessary antibiotics — are among the most evidence-based investments you can make in your long-term health, regardless of donation potential.

The stool banking industry is growing rapidly. New programs will open, compensation rates will likely increase, and the number of qualifying donors needed will expand as FMT approvals multiply. Starting the optimization process now — even before applying — positions you to take advantage of opportunities as they emerge.