Compare Donation Types: Which Pays the Most in 2026?
Side-by-side comparison of sperm, egg, stool, plasma, and clinical trial compensation
Show / hide donation types:
Side-by-Side Comparison
Sperm Donation
Pay Per Event
$70 - $150 / donation
Monthly Potential
$560 - $1,800
Annual Potential
$6,720 - $21,600
Time Per Visit
30 min - 1 hour
Frequency
1 - 3x per week
Acceptance Rate
~5% of applicants
Requirements
Ages 18-39, good health, height 5’9”+, college educated preferred, non-smoker, STD-free
Pros
- +Quick, non-invasive process
- +Flexible scheduling
- +Consistent recurring income
- +No recovery time needed
- +Long-term contracts available
Cons
- -Very low acceptance rate
- -Strict height & health requirements
- -6-12 month commitment required
- -Legal/parental considerations
- -Potential identity disclosure (open donors)
Egg Donation
Pay Per Event
$8,000 - $15,000 / cycle
Monthly Potential
$2,000 - $5,000 (averaged)
Annual Potential
$16,000 - $45,000
Time Per Visit
Multiple appointments over 4-6 weeks
Frequency
1 - 3 cycles per year
Acceptance Rate
~10-15% of applicants
Requirements
Ages 21-30, BMI under 30, non-smoker, no genetic disorders, psychological screening
Pros
- +Highest per-event payout
- +Repeat donor bonuses ($1K-$3K more)
- +Some agencies cover travel & lodging
- +Helping families in need
- +Demand for diverse donors
Cons
- -Hormone injections for 10-14 days
- -Minor surgical retrieval procedure
- -Temporary side effects (bloating, mood changes)
- -OHSS risk (rare but serious)
- -Only a few cycles per year
Stool Donation
Pay Per Event
$50 - $100 / donation
Monthly Potential
$500 - $1,500
Annual Potential
$6,000 - $18,000
Time Per Visit
15 - 30 minutes
Frequency
3 - 5x per week
Acceptance Rate
~3-5% of applicants
Requirements
Ages 18-50, healthy BMI, no recent antibiotics, excellent gut health, rigorous screening
Pros
- +Quick daily process
- +No medical procedures
- +Open to all genders
- +High frequency = fast accumulation
- +Helping patients with C. diff infections
Cons
- -Extremely low acceptance rate
- -Must maintain strict diet & lifestyle
- -Must donate on-site at many programs
- -Income stops if health changes
- -Limited programs available
Plasma Donation
Pay Per Event
$30 - $75 / visit
Monthly Potential
$240 - $600
Annual Potential
$2,880 - $7,200
Time Per Visit
1 - 2 hours
Frequency
Up to 2x per week
Acceptance Rate
~70-80% of applicants
Requirements
Ages 18-69, 110+ lbs, good health, valid ID, no recent tattoos/piercings (varies)
Pros
- +Easiest to qualify for
- +Highest acceptance rate
- +New donor bonuses ($100-$200 first visits)
- +Open to all genders
- +Centers widely available
Cons
- -Lowest per-visit compensation
- -1-2 hours per visit
- -Needle required each time
- -Can cause fatigue/dehydration
- -Rates decrease after promo period
Clinical Trials
Pay Per Event
$50 - $50,000+
Monthly Potential
$500 - $10,000+
Annual Potential
$2,000 - $50,000+
Time Per Visit
1 hour - multi-day stays
Frequency
Varies by study (washout periods apply)
Acceptance Rate
~20-40% per study
Requirements
Varies widely by study; generally 18-65, healthy or condition-specific, no conflicting medications
Pros
- +Highest total earning potential
- +Free medical monitoring included
- +Inpatient studies include meals & housing
- +Open to all genders
- +Wide variety of study types
Cons
- -Risk of side effects from test drugs
- -Inpatient stays require days away from life
- -Washout periods limit back-to-back studies
- -Unpredictable scheduling
- -Screen failures are common
At-a-Glance Earnings Summary
| Type | Per Event | Monthly | Annual | Acceptance | Gender |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🧬 Sperm Donation | $70 - $150 / donation | $560 - $1,800 | $6,720 - $21,600 | ~5% of applicants | male |
| 🥚 Egg Donation | $8,000 - $15,000 / cycle | $2,000 - $5,000 (averaged) | $16,000 - $45,000 | ~10-15% of applicants | female |
| 💩 Stool Donation | $50 - $100 / donation | $500 - $1,500 | $6,000 - $18,000 | ~3-5% of applicants | All |
| 🩸 Plasma Donation | $30 - $75 / visit | $240 - $600 | $2,880 - $7,200 | ~70-80% of applicants | All |
| 🔬 Clinical Trials | $50 - $50,000+ | $500 - $10,000+ | $2,000 - $50,000+ | ~20-40% per study | All |
Which Donation Type Is Right for You?
Answer three quick questions and get a personalized recommendation.
Projected Earnings Calculator
Enter your details to see estimated earnings across all eligible donation types.
Estimates based on 2026 average rates. Actual compensation varies by program, location, eligibility, and individual factors.
Ready to Get Started?
Sperm Donation Calculator
Get a detailed, personalized earnings estimate.
🥚Egg Donation Calculator
Get a detailed, personalized earnings estimate.
💩Stool Donation Calculator
Get a detailed, personalized earnings estimate.
🩸Plasma Donation Calculator
Get a detailed, personalized earnings estimate.
🔬Clinical Trials Calculator
Get a detailed, personalized earnings estimate.
🛒Shop Donor Resources
Guides, prep kits, and tools to maximize your compensation.