Translation services cost 16.5¢–25¢ USD per word in published US public-sector schedules, while a Canadian federal fee schedule lists C$0.22 per word for an unofficial document translation over 100 words. Treat those figures as planning references, then request a written quote for your language pair, word count, deadline, and review needs.
Key takeaways
- Published US public-sector references range from 16.5¢ to 25¢ USD per word for documented translation services.
- A Canadian federal fee schedule lists C$0.22 per word for an unofficial document translation over 100 words.
- A 1,000-word document at the US reference range needs a $165–$250 USD translation budget before any added services.
- A useful quote names the source and target languages, editable file format, word count, deadline, and certification or review requirement.
Published schedules provide a price reference
The figures below come from public-sector schedules, so they describe documented reference rates rather than a nationwide consumer average. The U.S. District Court for the Central District of California lists 16.5¢ USD per word for document translation. A 2025 Washington State translation-services bid lists $0.25 USD per English word in its per-word rate table. A Canadian federal fee report lists C$0.22 per word over 100 words for an unofficial document translation.
| Planning reference | Published rate | What the schedule describes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| US document translation | 16.5¢ USD per word | Court reference rate | Central District of California |
| US document translation | $0.25 USD per word | Washington State bid rate | Washington State bid |
| Canadian unofficial document | C$0.22 per word over 100 words | Federal fee schedule | Global Affairs Canada fee report |
| 1,000-word US document | $165–$250 USD | Calculation from the two US references | See US sources above |
Language pair, review, and deadline change the quote
Give each translator the same source file and ask them to state the source-word count. Name both languages, the intended reader, and whether the file contains tables, handwriting, technical terms, or scanned pages. A translator can then price the work and the review level without guessing.
French, Spanish, and another common language pair can draw a different rate from a less common language pair. A legal, medical, immigration, or technical document can also need a subject-matter reviewer. Ask the provider to list translation, editing, certification, formatting, and rush work as separate lines.
File condition matters. An editable document lets a translator focus on language. A scan with faint text, handwritten notes, or complex tables can require transcription or layout work before translation starts. Request that work in the quote instead of accepting an unexplained total.
A 1,000-word budget starts at $165–$250 USD
At 16.5¢–25¢ USD per word, a 1,000-word document produces a $165–$250 USD planning range. That calculation only applies to the published US reference rates above. It does not predict a Canadian quote, a certified translation, or an urgent job.
Count the source words before you compare providers. A page is a poor pricing unit because page density, tables, and font size vary. Send the complete document, remove private information you do not need to share for a quote, and ask whether the provider counts headers, footnotes, and text inside images.
If you need a specialist for a business document, share the reader and purpose. A customer-facing service page, a lease, and a contractor warranty each need different terminology checks. Businesses that need help preparing source files can find translation services near them and post the document type, languages, deadline, and budget.
Human review protects documents that carry consequences
Machine translation can help you understand a rough draft, yet it does not replace a qualified human translator when a document needs accuracy, certification, or terminology review. The Government of Canada says its Translation Bureau provides translation and editing in both official languages and multilingual translation, with language professionals validating content for quality and consistency. Read the Translation Bureau service description.
Ask a provider who will review the final file and what the price includes. For a document submitted to an institution, confirm that institution’s certification, affidavit, or formatting requirements before you book. A translator cannot guarantee acceptance when the receiving organization sets the rules.
Equal scopes make translation quotes comparable
- Share the full source file. Give each provider the same version and identify any missing pages.
- State the language pair. Name the source language, target language, and regional variant when it matters.
- Confirm the word count. Ask whether the quote uses source words and which document elements count.
- Separate added services. Request distinct prices for review, certification, layout, transcription, and rush delivery.
- Check the final file. Confirm the delivery format, revision process, confidentiality terms, and deadline before you accept.
Homeowners preparing a move or a contractor agreement can use the same scope discipline from our legal document preparation guide before comparing offers. For a cross-border move, match the document timeline to your long-distance moving cost guide so translation does not delay the booking. If your document needs language support for a broader project, share the purpose with each provider so they can assign the right specialist.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do translation services cost per word?
Published US public-sector references in this guide list 16.5¢ and 25¢ USD per word. A Canadian federal fee report lists C$0.22 per word over 100 words for an unofficial document translation. Your quote can change with the language pair, source file, deadline, review, and certification needs.
How much does it cost to translate 1,000 words?
Using the two US reference rates in this guide, 1,000 words calculate to $165–$250 USD. Ask for a written quote because certification, editing, formatting, and rush delivery can change the final price.
Why do translators charge different rates?
Rates vary with the language pair, document purpose, word count, source-file condition, delivery deadline, and review requirements. Give each provider the same file and scope so you can compare equal services.
Should I use machine translation for an official document?
Use a qualified human translator when accuracy, certification, or terminology review matters. Check the receiving institution’s requirements before you hire a provider.
Post your language pair, document type, word count, deadline, and review needs on Masters’ Guild to compare offers from identity-verified local pros. Get translation quotes on Masters’ Guild.
