EdgeLocal

How Much Does Well Drilling Cost? — 2026 Guide

New wells, pump replacement and well repair.

Average cost range

$6,000–$20,000

for a new residential well

Cost factorImpact on price
DepthWells are priced per foot drilled.
GeologyRock and aquifer depth affect cost.
Pump and tankPump systems add cost.
CasingSteel or PVC casing lengths vary.
PermitsWell permits are required in most states.
Typical range$6,000–$20,000 for a new residential well

Two similar-looking jobs can be priced very differently once materials, access and local labor rates are taken into account, so the most reliable number is a written quote for your project.

Typical U.S. ranges from industry sources (2024–25); not EdgeLocal data. Your quote will vary with scope, materials and location.

EdgeLocal lists 902 well & pump services in total.

How to get quotes

  1. Describe your project once: what needs doing, your ZIP code and your timeline.
  2. EdgeLocal sends your request to local well & pump services who cover your area.
  3. Compare two or three written quotes on scope, materials, timeline and warranty — not just price.

Get Free Quotes from Local Well & Pump Services

What affects the cost

  • Depth to water
  • Geology and drilling conditions
  • Casing material
  • Pump, pressure tank and wiring
  • Water testing and permits

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Is water testing included after drilling?
  • How do you charge if you need to drill deeper than expected?
  • Can you show proof of general liability insurance and, if you have employees, workers’ compensation coverage?
  • Will you give me a written, itemized estimate and a written contract before work starts?
  • What warranty do you offer on labor, and who handles manufacturer warranty claims?

Verify your contractor

Iowa requires contractors doing residential construction over $2,000 to be registered with the Iowa Division of Labor under Iowa Code Chapter 91C. Before you sign, check the registration number on the estimate against the state registry.

Look up an Iowa contractor registration

What well & pump services do

Well drillers drill new wells, install pumps and pressure tanks, rehabilitate and shock-chlorinate wells, test water quality and properly plug abandoned wells.

Find well & pump services by state

Hiring well & pump services: what to know

Well drilling contractors drill, repair and maintain private water wells and pumps. Well drillers drill new wells, install pumps and pressure tanks, rehabilitate and shock-chlorinate wells, test water quality and properly plug abandoned wells.

Typical U.S. ranges from industry sources (2024–25); not EdgeLocal data. Your quote will vary with scope, materials and location.

How to hire a well driller

  1. Verify state certification. Well drillers must be certified in most states.
  2. Ask about expected depth. Local geology affects depth.
  3. Test water quality. Test new wells for bacteria and nitrates.
  4. Confirm pump system specs. Ask about pump size and tank capacity.
  5. Plan for abandoned wells. Old wells must be properly plugged.

Red flags to watch for

  • Uncertified driller
  • No permit
  • No water testing
  • Guarantees water at a specific depth

Licensing

Well drillers must hold state well contractor certification in Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin and other states in the region.

Best time to hire

Drilling happens year-round, though spring mud can slow access.

Related services

Well Drilling cost FAQs

How deep are wells in the Midwest?

Depth varies widely, from under 100 feet to several hundred feet.

How often should well water be tested?

At least annually for bacteria and nitrates.

How long does a well pump last?

Submersible pumps often last 10–15 years.

How much do well & pump services charge?

Typical U.S. pricing runs about $6,000–$20,000 for a new residential well. The biggest drivers are depth, geology, pump and tank. These are industry estimates, not EdgeLocal data — get at least three written quotes.

Do well & pump services need a license?

Well drillers must hold state well contractor certification in Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin and other states in the region.

When is the best time to hire a well driller?

Drilling happens year-round, though spring mud can slow access.

How do I verify a contractor in Iowa?

Iowa requires contractors doing residential construction over $2,000 to register with the Iowa Division of Labor (Iowa Code Chapter 91C). You can look up a registration on EdgeLocal’s verify page.

Related cost guides

Get free quotes from local well & pump services