How much does well drilling cost?
How much does well drilling cost?
$20 – $30 cost per foot (drilling only)
$30 – $80+ cost per foot (complete system)
$6,000 – $16,000 average total cost (200-foot depth)
Average well drilling cost
Well drilling costs $30 to $80+ per foot or $6,000 to 16,000 on average to install a 200-foot-deep residential well. This includes drilling, casing, pump installation, electrical connections, and permits. The cost to drill a well varies based on depth, location, and soil conditions, with some homeowners paying $100 per foot or more in challenging areas.
| National Average Cost | $10,500 |
| Minimum Cost | $3,000 |
| Maximum Cost | $22,500+ |
| Average Range | $6,000 to $16,000 |
Water well drilling cost per foot
Most contractors calculate well drilling on a per-foot basis, which makes depth the primary factor affecting your total cost. Well drilling prices range from $30 to $80+ per foot for a complete installation or $20 to $30 per foot just to drill.
Expect to pay significantly more when digging in remote areas or through rocky, sloped, dry, or low-quality soil. The table below shows the average well drilling and well system installation costs for various depths.
| Well depth (feet) | Complete installation cost | Drilling only cost |
|---|---|---|
| 50 | $1,500 – $4,000+ | $1,000 – $1,500 |
| 100 | $3,000 – $8,000+ | $2,000 – $3,000 |
| 150 | $4,500 – $12,000+ | $3,000– $4,500 |
| 200 | $6,000 – $16,000+ | $4,000 – $6,000 |
| 300 | $9,000 – $24,000+ | $6,000 – $9,000 |
| 350 | $10,500 – $28,000 | $7,000 – $10,500 |
| 400 | $12,000 – $32,000 | $8,000 – $12,000 |
| 450 | $13,500 – $36,000 | $9,000 – $13,500 |
| 500 | $15,000 – $40,000 | $10,000 – $15,000 |
Cost to drill a well by type
Different well types serve various purposes and come with distinct price ranges. The type of well you install affects both the upfront costs and the long-term maintenance requirements.
| Well type | Average cost per foot | Average total cost | Typical depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential | $30 – $80+ | $3,000 – $24,000+ | 100 – 300 feet |
| Irrigation | $30 – $100+ | $3,000 – $40,000+ | 100 – 400 feet |
| Artesian | $35 – $90 | $5,300 – $40,500 | 150 – 450 feet |
| Geothermal | $20 – $40+ | $2,000 – $20,000+ | 100 – 500 feet |
| Commercial | Varies | $50,000 – $100,000+ | 300+ feet |
Water well cost factors
Several factors influence your well installation cost beyond the basic per-foot rate:
Depth and diameter: Deeper and wider wells require more time, labor, and materials, raising the water well drilling cost.
Soil & ground conditions: Rocky, sloped, or hard soil increases labor and equipment expenses.
Water table location: A deeper water table means a longer, more expensive installation process.
Distance to house: The closer the well is to your house, the less you'll pay, as longer water and electrical lines will increase the total cost.
Permits & local regulations: Well permits cost $350 to $700+, depending on where you live. Permit requirements may include multiple inspections or water allocation limits.
Caps & screens: Well caps prevent contamination while screens filter sediment from water flow. These components add to the total cost but ensure water quality and system protection.
Inspection & testing: A professional well inspection costs $250 to $550 to ensure everything has been installed properly. To confirm the water is safe, laboratory well water testing costs $100 to $350.
Drilling method
There are three methods used to reach groundwater, each suiting different depths and soil conditions, with varying equipment requirements and labor costs. Drilling is the most common method for residential well installation.
| Drilling method | Cost per foot* | Typical depth / Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Drilling | $20 – $30 |
|
| Driving | $25 – $40 |
|
| Digging | $15 – $30 |
|
*Drilling cost only
Casing pipe size and material
Pipe casing to prevent collapse and contamination costs anywhere from $7 to $11 per foot for PVC or $30 to $130+ per foot for steel. PVC is the most common and economical option, but steel is more durable and may be needed for deeper wells or challenging conditions.
These pipe casings range from 4" to 8" in diameter, and the width also affects the price.
Additional costs
Beyond the expense of drilling and installing the well itself, several other costs often come up when installing a well. Essential system components like a well pump, well pressure tank, and electrical connections are not always included in the quoted cost per foot.
Water treatment systems also add to the total cost and may be needed to ensure safe drinking water. The table below shows common additional costs during well installation to help you prepare for the full scope of your water well cost.
| Item | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| Well pump cost | $400 – $2,500 |
| Well pressure tank cost | $800 – $1,500 |
| Electrical wiring and connections | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| Well water filtration system cost | $800 – $4,000 |
| Water softener installation cost | $1,200 – $3,800 |
| Septic tank system cost | $3,500 – $20,000 |
Alternatives to well installation
If a traditional drilled well is not suitable for your property or situation, there are several alternatives to suit different situations and budgets:
Municipal water connection: Municipal water is available in developed areas with existing infrastructure and provides reliable service without drilling costs.
Shared wells: Multiple properties share one well system to reduce individual costs and maintenance responsibilities.
Rainwater harvesting: A rainwater system costs anywhere from $200 to $2,500 for rain barrel collection or $2,000 to $12,000+ for a residential cistern to collect and store rainwater for non-potable use like toilet flushing or for drinking when properly treated and filtered.
Water delivery services: Water delivery costs $30 to $90+ per month and offers a temporary solution for remote locations while you plan permanent water infrastructure.
Water well drilling FAQs
How deep should a water well be?
Water wells for residential use are 100 to 300 feet deep on average, though depth varies based on local groundwater levels. Wells should be at least 100 feet deep for drinking water in most areas but may need to be deeper depending on local geology and water quality.
Shallow wells of 25 to 50 feet work in areas with high water tables, while arid regions may require drilling 300 to 600+ feet.
How long does it take to drill a well?
A typical residential water well takes 1 to 3 days to drill depending on the depth and soil conditions. The complete installation process, including setting up equipment, drilling, installing the pump system, running electricity, and testing water, takes about 7 days total.
Drillers may complete simple shallow wells faster, while deep wells in rocky terrain can take longer. Weather conditions and permit approvals can also affect project timeline.
Is it legal to drill your own well?
Some states allow property owners to drill wells on their own land, but they still require permits and inspections. You'll need to obtain proper drilling permits, follow local setback requirements from septic systems and property lines, and have the water tested for safety.
Some areas have restrictions on well spacing or require minimum acreage. Check with your local building department for specific regulations.
Can you drill a water well anywhere?
You cannot drill a water well anywhere due to geological, legal, and practical limitations. Success depends on local groundwater availability, soil conditions, and proximity to contamination sources. Most areas require minimum distances from septic systems, property lines, and other wells.
Some regions have water table depths that make drilling impractical or prohibitively expensive. A professional assessment can determine site suitability and identify optimal drilling locations on your property.
How long do wells last?
A professionally installed water well lasts 30 to 50 years with proper maintenance, though individual components have shorter lifespans. Well pumps need replacement every 8 to 15 years, pressure tanks last 10 to 15 years, and control systems last 10 to 20 years.
The well casing and overall structure can last 40+ years when properly installed and maintained with annual inspections and water testing.
Getting estimates for well drilling
Getting accurate estimates helps you budget effectively and choose the right contractor for your project. Follow these guidelines when searching for well drilling contractors near you:
Contact at least three licensed well-drilling contractors for detailed estimates.
Request itemized quotes that break down drilling, materials, and labor costs.
Verify their licensing, insurance, and local references.
Check their reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Ask about warranty coverage for both materials and workmanship.
Confirm the permit handling and inspection scheduling in written estimates.
Compare total project costs rather than just per-foot drilling rates.
Questions to ask well drilling contractors
Ask the following questions to help you evaluate contractors, prevent surprises, and ensure a quality installation:
Are you licensed and insured for this type of work?
How long have you been well drilling in this area?
Can you provide references from recent residential well installations?
What permits are required and who handles the application process?
How do you determine the optimal depth and location on my property?
What type of pump and pressure tank system do you recommend?
What warranty coverage do you provide on materials and installation?
How long will the drilling and installation process take to complete?
What maintenance requirements should I expect after installation?
What happens if you encounter rocks or other challenging soil conditions?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.