Well Drilling Cost Statistics 2026: 63 Price Facts & Data
National Well Drilling Cost Statistics (2026)
Well drilling costs vary significantly across the United States based on geology, depth, labor markets, and regulations. Here are the key national statistics for 2026:
Source: NGWA Industry Survey, HomeAdvisor data compilation
National Cost Summary
| Cost Category | Low | Average | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drilling Only | $3,500 | $9,750 | $30,000+ |
| Complete System (Pump, Tank, Electric) | $5,500 | $15,750 | $55,000+ |
| Shallow Well (<100 ft) | $3,000 | $5,500 | $12,000 |
| Medium Well (100-300 ft) | $5,500 | $12,500 | $25,000 |
| Deep Well (300-500 ft) | $12,000 | $22,500 | $45,000 |
| Very Deep Well (500+ ft) | $20,000 | $35,000 | $75,000+ |
Key National Statistics
- Average drilling cost per foot: $25-65 nationally
- Average residential well depth: 150 feet
- Median project cost: $12,500
- Most common price range: $10,000-$20,000 (42% of projects)
- Projects under $10,000: 31%
- Projects over $25,000: 18%
- Projects over $50,000: 4%
- Average project duration: 1-3 days drilling, 1-2 weeks total
Well Drilling Costs by State (2026)
Source: NGWA, State contractor associations, HomeAdvisor regional data
Well Drilling Costs: All 50 States
| State | Avg Total Cost | $/Foot | Avg Depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $8,500 | $30-50 | 125 ft |
| Alaska | $38,000 | $75-120 | 200 ft |
| Arizona | $18,500 | $45-75 | 250 ft |
| Arkansas | $6,800 | $25-40 | 100 ft |
| California | $38,500 | $35-85 | 285 ft |
| Colorado | $22,000 | $45-70 | 300 ft |
| Connecticut | $15,500 | $40-65 | 200 ft |
| Delaware | $9,500 | $30-50 | 125 ft |
| Florida | $10,500 | $25-45 | 150 ft |
| Georgia | $11,500 | $30-55 | 175 ft |
| Hawaii | $45,000+ | $85-150 | 350 ft |
| Idaho | $14,500 | $35-60 | 200 ft |
| Illinois | $12,000 | $30-55 | 175 ft |
| Indiana | $11,500 | $28-50 | 165 ft |
| Iowa | $13,500 | $32-55 | 180 ft |
| Kansas | $14,000 | $30-55 | 200 ft |
| Kentucky | $10,500 | $30-50 | 150 ft |
| Louisiana | $7,100 | $22-40 | 100 ft |
| Maine | $16,500 | $45-70 | 250 ft |
| Maryland | $14,000 | $35-60 | 200 ft |
| Massachusetts | $17,500 | $50-75 | 225 ft |
| Michigan | $12,500 | $30-55 | 175 ft |
| Minnesota | $15,500 | $35-60 | 200 ft |
| Mississippi | $6,200 | $20-35 | 85 ft |
| Missouri | $11,000 | $28-50 | 160 ft |
| Montana | $16,000 | $40-65 | 225 ft |
| Nebraska | $13,000 | $28-50 | 200 ft |
| Nevada | $21,000 | $45-75 | 300 ft |
| New Hampshire | $18,000 | $50-80 | 275 ft |
| New Jersey | $16,500 | $45-70 | 200 ft |
| New Mexico | $19,500 | $45-70 | 275 ft |
| New York | $18,500 | $45-75 | 250 ft |
| North Carolina | $12,000 | $30-55 | 175 ft |
| North Dakota | $14,500 | $35-55 | 200 ft |
| Ohio | $11,500 | $28-50 | 165 ft |
| Oklahoma | $9,500 | $25-45 | 140 ft |
| Oregon | $17,500 | $40-70 | 225 ft |
| Pennsylvania | $14,500 | $35-65 | 200 ft |
| Rhode Island | $15,500 | $45-70 | 175 ft |
| South Carolina | $10,500 | $28-50 | 160 ft |
| South Dakota | $14,000 | $32-55 | 200 ft |
| Tennessee | $11,000 | $30-55 | 165 ft |
| Texas | $14,500 | $30-60 | 200 ft |
| Utah | $18,500 | $40-70 | 250 ft |
| Vermont | $17,000 | $50-75 | 250 ft |
| Virginia | $13,500 | $35-60 | 185 ft |
| Washington | $16,500 | $40-65 | 200 ft |
| West Virginia | $12,500 | $35-60 | 185 ft |
| Wisconsin | $13,500 | $30-55 | 185 ft |
| Wyoming | $17,500 | $40-70 | 250 ft |
Regional Cost Comparisons
| Region | Average Cost | Cost Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Southeast (AL, FL, GA, LA, MS, SC) | $9,050 | Lowest |
| Midwest (IL, IN, IA, MI, MO, OH, WI) | $12,350 | Low-Medium |
| Great Plains (KS, NE, ND, OK, SD, TX) | $12,920 | Medium |
| Mid-Atlantic (DE, MD, NJ, NY, PA) | $14,600 | Medium-High |
| Northeast (CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT) | $16,670 | High |
| Mountain West (AZ, CO, ID, MT, NM, NV, UT, WY) | $18,190 | High |
| Pacific Northwest (OR, WA) | $17,000 | High |
| California | $38,500 | Very High |
| Alaska & Hawaii | $41,500 | Highest |
Cost by Well Depth
Source: USGS, NGWA contractor surveys
Complete System Cost by Depth Range
| Depth Range | Drilling Cost | Total System Cost | % of Wells |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-50 ft (Shallow) | $1,500-3,500 | $3,000-7,000 | 8% |
| 50-100 ft | $2,500-6,000 | $5,000-10,000 | 18% |
| 100-150 ft | $4,000-9,000 | $8,000-15,000 | 26% |
| 150-200 ft | $6,000-12,000 | $10,000-18,000 | 21% |
| 200-300 ft | $8,000-18,000 | $14,000-28,000 | 15% |
| 300-400 ft | $12,000-26,000 | $20,000-40,000 | 7% |
| 400-500 ft | $18,000-35,000 | $28,000-55,000 | 3% |
| 500+ ft | $25,000-60,000+ | $40,000-85,000+ | 2% |
Depth Cost Factors
- Each additional 100 feet adds approximately $4,000-8,000 to total cost
- Pump costs increase significantly after 200 feet (deeper settings)
- Casing costs scale linearly with depth
- Drilling time increases non-linearly in harder formations
- Risk premium: Deeper wells have higher failure/dry hole risk
Cost by Geology Type
Source: NGWA, contractor associations
Drilling Cost by Formation Type
| Geology Type | Cost Per Foot | Drilling Speed | Common Regions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sand/Gravel (Unconsolidated) | $20-35/ft | Fast (50-100 ft/day) | Coastal areas, river valleys |
| Clay/Silt | $25-40/ft | Medium-Fast (40-80 ft/day) | Midwest, Southeast |
| Sandstone | $30-50/ft | Medium (30-60 ft/day) | Great Plains, Southwest |
| Limestone | $35-55/ft | Medium (25-50 ft/day) | Florida, Texas, Midwest |
| Shale | $35-55/ft | Medium (25-50 ft/day) | Appalachia, Northeast |
| Decomposed Granite | $40-60/ft | Medium-Slow (20-40 ft/day) | California, Mountain West |
| Hard Granite/Basalt | $55-85/ft | Slow (10-25 ft/day) | New England, Pacific NW, Sierra |
| Metamorphic Rock | $50-75/ft | Slow (15-30 ft/day) | Appalachians, California |
Geology Impact on Total Cost
- Soft formations can reduce total drilling cost by 40-50%
- Hard rock requires air rotary/hammer drilling (higher equipment costs)
- Mixed geology (layers of different hardness) increases unpredictability
- Bit wear in granite can add $500-2,000 to project cost
- Fractured rock may require special casing techniques (+$1,500-4,000)
Cost Breakdown by Component
Source: NGWA, contractor cost analysis
Typical Cost Breakdown (200-ft Well)
| Component | Cost Range | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Drilling ($40/ft avg × 200 ft) | $6,000-10,000 | 45-55% |
| Well Casing (PVC or Steel) | $1,200-3,500 | 8-15% |
| Submersible Pump | $1,500-4,000 | 10-18% |
| Pressure Tank | $500-2,000 | 3-8% |
| Electrical (Wire, Controls) | $1,200-2,500 | 8-12% |
| Pitless Adapter & Well Cap | $200-500 | 1-3% |
| Well Development | $400-1,200 | 2-5% |
| Permits & Inspections | $350-1,500 | 2-6% |
| Water Testing | $150-400 | 1-2% |
| TOTAL | $11,500-25,600 | 100% |
Component Cost Details
Pump Costs by Type
| Pump Type | Cost (Installed) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Shallow Well Jet Pump | $800-1,500 | Wells under 25 ft |
| Deep Well Jet Pump | $1,200-2,200 | Wells 25-100 ft |
| Submersible (1/2 HP) | $1,500-2,500 | 100-200 ft, low demand |
| Submersible (3/4 HP) | $2,000-3,200 | 150-300 ft, moderate demand |
| Submersible (1 HP) | $2,500-4,000 | 200-400 ft, higher demand |
| Submersible (1.5-2 HP) | $3,500-5,500 | 300-500+ ft, high demand |
Casing Costs
- 4" PVC casing: $6-12 per foot (installed)
- 6" PVC casing: $10-18 per foot (installed)
- 4" Steel casing: $12-20 per foot (installed)
- 6" Steel casing: $18-30 per foot (installed)
- Stainless steel screen: $35-75 per foot
Year-Over-Year Cost Trends (2020-2026)
Source: NGWA, Bureau of Labor Statistics, industry surveys
National Average Cost Trend
| Year | Avg Complete System | Avg $/Foot | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $12,250 | $32 | +2.1% |
| 2021 | $13,100 | $34 | +6.9% |
| 2022 | $14,240 | $38 | +8.7% |
| 2023 | $14,850 | $40 | +4.3% |
| 2024 | $15,280 | $42 | +2.9% |
| 2025 | $15,520 | $43 | +1.6% |
| 2026 | $15,750 | $45 | +1.5% |
Cost Component Inflation (2020-2026)
| Component | 2020 Cost | 2026 Cost | % Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steel Casing | $14/ft | $22/ft | +57% |
| PVC Casing | $7/ft | $10/ft | +43% |
| Submersible Pump (1 HP) | $2,100 | $3,200 | +52% |
| Drilling Labor | $28/hr | $38/hr | +36% |
| Fuel/Equipment Operation | $180/day | $265/day | +47% |
| Copper Wire (per 100 ft) | $85 | $125 | +47% |
| Pressure Tank (85 gal) | $650 | $850 | +31% |
Key Trend Insights
- 2022 spike: Supply chain disruptions and inflation drove 8.7% increase
- 2023-2026: Cost increases moderating to 1.5-4% annually
- Steel prices: Largest single cost driver (+57% since 2020)
- Labor shortages: Skilled driller wages up 36%
- 2026 forecast: Expect 2-3% increase for 2027
California Cost Statistics
Source: California DWR, NGWA, SCWS industry data
Why California Costs Are Higher
| Factor | CA vs National | Impact on Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Average Well Depth | 285 ft vs 150 ft | +$8,000-15,000 |
| Hard Rock Geology (62%) | vs 30% nationally | +$3,000-8,000 |
| Labor Costs | +45% higher | +$2,500-5,000 |
| Permit Requirements | More stringent | +$500-1,500 |
| Equipment/Mobilization | Remote locations | +$1,000-3,000 |
California Costs by Region
| Region | Average Cost | Cost Per Foot |
|---|---|---|
| San Diego County | $42,500 | $45-85 |
| Riverside County | $38,000 | $40-75 |
| Central Valley (North) | $32,000 | $35-60 |
| Central Valley (South) | $45,000 | $40-70 |
| Sierra Foothills | $52,000 | $55-85 |
| Coastal Counties | $32,000 | $35-60 |
| High Desert | $45,000 | $45-75 |
Cost Factors & Variables
Factors That Increase Cost
- Deeper water table: +$3,000-6,000 per additional 100 feet
- Hard rock formations: +30-50% drilling cost
- Remote/difficult access: +$1,000-5,000 mobilization
- Larger diameter casing: +25-40% casing cost
- Higher-capacity pump: +$500-2,000
- Water treatment system: +$2,000-15,000
- Permit complications: +$500-2,000
- Seasonal demand (drought): +10-20% premium
Factors That Decrease Cost
- Shallow water table: -$3,000-8,000
- Soft geology: -20-35% drilling cost
- Easy site access: -$500-1,500
- Off-season drilling: -5-15% discount
- Existing infrastructure: -$1,000-3,000
- Multiple wells (same property): -10-15% per well
Hidden Costs to Consider
- Dry hole risk: May need to drill second well (+$5,000-15,000)
- Low yield: May require storage tank (+$2,000-5,000)
- Water quality issues: Treatment system ($3,000-15,000)
- Electrical panel upgrade: If needed (+$800-2,500)
- Trenching for waterline: (+$8-15 per linear foot)
📊 Data Sources & Methodology
This statistics page compiles cost data from the following sources:
- National Ground Water Association (NGWA) - Annual contractor surveys, industry reports
- HomeAdvisor/Angi - Aggregated project cost data from contractor network
- Bureau of Labor Statistics - Construction cost indices, wage data
- State Contractor Associations - Regional pricing surveys
- California DWR - Well completion reports with cost data
- Southern California Well Service - 20+ years of actual project costs
- Material Suppliers - Casing, pump, and equipment pricing
Data Collection Period: Cost data reflects 2025-2026 market conditions. Historical trends use data from 2020-2026.
Methodology: State averages are weighted by well drilling activity. National average reflects median of state data adjusted for drilling volume.
Limitations: Actual costs vary significantly based on site-specific conditions. Prices reflect contractor quotes and may not include all ancillary costs. Regional variations within states can be substantial.
Updates: This page is updated quarterly as new pricing data becomes available.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to drill a well in 2026?
The national average cost to drill a residential water well in 2026 is $9,750 for drilling alone, or $15,750 for a complete system including pump and pressure tank. Costs range from $5,500 to $35,000+ depending on depth, geology, and location. California averages $38,500 due to deeper wells and harder rock.
How much does well drilling cost per foot?
Well drilling costs $25-65 per foot on average nationally in 2026. Soft soils like sand cost $25-40/foot, sedimentary rock $35-55/foot, and hard rock like granite costs $55-85/foot. California ranges from $35-85/foot depending on region and geology.
Which state has the cheapest well drilling?
Mississippi has the lowest average well drilling costs at $6,200 for a complete system, followed by Arkansas ($6,800) and Louisiana ($7,100). These states benefit from shallow water tables (85-100 ft average), soft drilling conditions, and lower labor costs.
Which state has the most expensive well drilling?
Hawaii has the highest average costs at $45,000+ for a residential system, followed by Alaska ($38,000) and California ($38,500). Factors include challenging volcanic/remote geology, deeper water tables, high labor costs, and strict environmental regulations.
How much have well drilling costs increased?
Well drilling costs have increased 28.4% nationally from 2020 to 2026. The average complete system cost rose from $12,250 in 2020 to $15,750 in 2026. The largest spike was in 2022 (+8.7%) due to supply chain issues. Recent years show more modest 1.5-3% annual increases.
Get an Accurate Quote for Your Property
Well drilling costs depend heavily on your specific location and geology. Southern California Well Service provides free site assessments and transparent, detailed estimates for properties in San Diego and Riverside Counties.
Call us today: (760) 463-0493
