How Much Does Well Drilling Cost?
Updated 24 March 2026
$25-$65 per foot drilled. Average residential well (150-300 ft): $5,000-$15,000. Total with pump, tank, and plumbing: $7,000-$20,000.
Drilling Cost by Ground Condition
Geology is the biggest cost driver after depth. Drillers charge more per foot through hard rock because it takes longer and wears out equipment faster.
| Ground Type | Cost per Foot | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sand / gravel | $25-$35/ft | Easiest to drill, fastest |
| Clay | $30-$45/ft | Common in Midwest and Southeast |
| Soft rock / limestone | $35-$55/ft | Common in mid-Atlantic and South |
| Hard rock / granite / basalt | $45-$65/ft | New England, Rocky Mountain areas |
Shallow vs Deep Wells
Shallow Well (under 50 ft)
Lower upfront cost. Can be driven or bored rather than drilled. More susceptible to surface contamination, drought, and seasonal fluctuations.
Total installed: $3,000-$5,000
Deep Well (150-400 ft)
Better water quality, more reliable year-round supply, lower contamination risk. Required in many jurisdictions for a primary water source.
Total installed: $7,000-$20,000
Full Cost Breakdown
Drillers often quote the drilling cost only. Here is everything you need to budget for a complete working well system.
| Component | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Drilling (per foot) | $25-$65/ft |
| Well casing (per foot) | $5-$15/ft |
| Submersible pump | $500-$2,000 |
| Pressure tank | $300-$1,500 |
| Plumbing to house | $500-$2,000 |
| Water testing | $100-$500 |
| Permits | $100-$500 |
| Hydrogeological survey (optional) | $500-$1,500 |
A hydrogeological survey before drilling is optional but worth it. It tells you the likely depth to water in your area and reduces the risk of a dry hole.
Common Questions
How much does well drilling cost?
$25-$65 per foot drilled. An average residential well of 150-300 feet costs $5,000-$15,000 just for drilling. Total cost with pump, pressure tank, and plumbing to the house runs $7,000-$20,000.
How deep does a residential well need to be?
It varies entirely by location. Some properties hit water at 50 feet. Others need 400 feet or more. There is no way to know before drilling. A hydrogeological survey ($500-$1,500) can give you an estimate of likely depth based on your area's water table, which helps budget before you commit.
What is the difference between a shallow well and a deep well?
Shallow wells are under 50 feet and cost $3,000-$5,000. They are cheaper but more susceptible to drought, contamination from surface runoff, and bacteria. Deep wells at 150-400 feet cost $7,000-$20,000 but provide more reliable water quality and are less affected by seasonal water table changes.
What is included in the total well installation cost?
Drilling is just the start. Budget separately for well casing ($5-$15 per foot), a submersible pump ($500-$2,000), pressure tank ($300-$1,500), plumbing to the house ($500-$2,000), water testing ($100-$500), and permits ($100-$500). Total installed cost for a complete working system typically runs $7,000-$20,000.
Get 3 quotes
Prices vary significantly by region, depth required, and ground conditions. Ask each driller what they charge per foot and what happens if they hit a dry hole before reaching water.