BioLife Plasma Weight Chart 2026: Complete Pay by Weight Guide
Understanding how your weight affects your BioLife plasma donation pay. Complete weight chart, plasma volume calculations, and strategies to maximize your earnings at any weight.
Quick Reference: BioLife Pay by Weight 2026
How Weight Affects Your BioLife Pay
Your body weight directly determines how much plasma BioLife can safely collect per donation. The FDA sets strict limits on plasma collection based on your total blood volume, which correlates with weight.
The Science Behind Weight-Based Pay
Your total blood volume is approximately 7% of your body weight. The FDA allows plasma centers to collect up to 13% of your total plasma volume per donation. Heavier donors have more blood and plasma, so they can safely donate larger volumes.
Lighter Donors (110-149 lbs)
- • Estimated blood volume: ~8-10 pints
- • Plasma collected: 690 mL maximum
- • Donation time: ~35-45 minutes
- • Typical pay: $50-$65 per visit
Heavier Donors (175+ lbs)
- • Estimated blood volume: ~12-14+ pints
- • Plasma collected: 880 mL maximum
- • Donation time: ~45-60 minutes
- • Typical pay: $60-$80 per visit
Complete BioLife Weight & Pay Chart 2026
Here's a detailed breakdown of BioLife's weight tiers, plasma volumes, and expected pay rates:
| Weight Range | Plasma Volume | 1st Donation/Week | 2nd Donation/Week | Weekly Total | Monthly (8x) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 110-119 lbs | 690 mL | $25-$35 | $40-$50 | $65-$85 | $260-$340 |
| 120-149 lbs | 690 mL | $30-$40 | $45-$55 | $75-$95 | $300-$380 |
| 150-174 lbs | 825 mL | $35-$45 | $50-$60 | $85-$105 | $340-$420 |
| 175-199 lbs | 880 mL | $40-$50 | $55-$65 | $95-$115 | $380-$460 |
| 200+ lbs | 880 mL | $45-$55 | $60-$70 | $105-$125 | $420-$500 |
Important: Actual pay rates vary by location, current promotions, and market competition. These are typical ranges for regular donors in 2026. New donor bonuses are significantly higher.
FDA Plasma Volume Limits Explained
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sets strict guidelines on plasma collection to ensure donor safety. Here's how the limits work:
| Body Weight (lbs) | Body Weight (kg) | Max Plasma/Donation | Max Plasma/Week |
|---|---|---|---|
| 110-149 lbs | 50-67 kg | 690 mL | 1,380 mL |
| 150-174 lbs | 68-79 kg | 825 mL | 1,650 mL |
| 175+ lbs | 80+ kg | 880 mL | 1,760 mL |
Why These Limits Exist
The FDA limits protect donors by ensuring only a safe percentage of total plasma is collected. Your body replaces plasma within 24-48 hours, but these limits prevent overcollection.
Maximum Donation Frequency
You can donate plasma up to twice per week (every 7 days), with at least one day between donations. This applies to all weight categories.
BioLife New Donor Bonus: Same for All Weights!
Great news: BioLife's new donor bonuses are the same regardless of your weight. All new donors can earn the full promotional amount.
Typical New Donor Structure
- • Donations 1-2: $100-$150 each
- • Donations 3-4: $100-$125 each
- • Donations 5-8: $75-$100 each
Bonus Requirements
- • Complete 8 donations in first month
- • Must donate twice per week
- • Varies by location and promotion
What Happens If Your Weight Changes?
Weight Gain
If you cross into a higher weight tier (e.g., from 148 lbs to 152 lbs), your plasma collection volume and pay will increase. BioLife weighs you at every visit.
Weight Loss
If your weight drops to a lower tier, your collection volume and pay decrease. If you fall below 110 lbs, you'll be temporarily deferred until your weight increases.
Weight Fluctuation
Normal daily fluctuations (1-3 lbs) usually don't affect your tier unless you're right at a threshold. Weigh yourself before donating if you're close to a tier boundary.
Tip for Borderline Weights
If you're close to a tier boundary (like 149 lbs or 174 lbs), eating a meal and staying hydrated before your visit can help you reach the next tier for higher pay.
Maximizing Your BioLife Earnings at Any Weight
For Lighter Donors (Under 150 lbs)
- Donate consistently twice weekly to maximize monthly totals
- Take advantage of ALL new donor bonuses - they're weight-neutral
- Use referral bonuses to supplement lower base pay
- Look for promotional weeks with flat-rate bonuses
- Donations are faster - optimize your time efficiency
For Heavier Donors (175+ lbs)
- You're already in the highest pay tier - maintain consistency
- Stack promotions on top of your higher base pay
- Stay well hydrated to maintain fast flow rates
- Plan for slightly longer donation times (45-60 min)
- Potential monthly earnings: $420-$600+
BioLife Weight Pay vs. Other Centers
All major plasma centers use similar weight-based pay structures because they follow the same FDA guidelines. Here's how BioLife compares:
| Center | 110-149 lbs | 150-174 lbs | 175+ lbs |
|---|---|---|---|
| BioLife | $50-$65 | $55-$70 | $60-$80 |
| CSL Plasma | $45-$60 | $50-$65 | $55-$75 |
| Grifols | $40-$55 | $50-$65 | $55-$75 |
| Octapharma | $45-$55 | $50-$65 | $55-$75 |
BioLife typically offers the highest base pay across all weight categories, though new donor bonuses vary by location and promotion.
Monthly Earnings by Weight
110-149 lbs
8 donations/month
150-174 lbs
8 donations/month
175+ lbs
8 donations/month
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does BioLife pay based on weight in 2026?
What is the minimum weight to donate plasma at BioLife?
How much plasma does BioLife take based on weight?
Do heavier donors get paid more at BioLife?
What is the maximum weight for BioLife plasma donation?
Does BioLife weigh you at every visit?
Ready to Start Donating at BioLife?
Use our free calculator to see exactly how much you can earn based on your weight and donation frequency.