What it is
Without city water, a drilled well is how most rural homes get water. A well driller drills down to water, installs casing (the pipe lining the hole), seals it, and tests how much water it gives.
Most wells need a permit. After drilling, a pump, pressure tank, and water line are installed, and the pump needs power (see Rural Electrical and Rural Plumbing). Some drillers do this too; others hand it to a pump company (see Well Pumps & Water Treatment).
The CDC recommends testing private well water at least once a year (CDC).
Typical costs
National ranges from published cost guides. Your price depends on your land, your area, and the job. These are not quotes.
| Item | Typical range | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Complete well system, per foot | $30 – $80+ | HomeGuide |
| Drilling only, per foot | $20 – $30 | HomeGuide |
| Example: 200-foot well, complete | $6,000 – $16,000 | HomeGuide |
| Well permit | $350 – $700 | HomeGuide |
| Lab water test | $100 – $350 | HomeGuide |
Sources checked October 2026. Get at least two or three written quotes.
What workers in this trade earn in rural areas
This is worker pay (hourly wages), not what a job costs you. It helps contractors set fair crew pay and helps landowners see why labor is part of a quote.
| Job (BLS name) | U.S. median | Rural areas: lowest to highest median |
|---|---|---|
| Earth drillers (water well drillers) SOC 47-5023 | $28.94/hr | $22.87 (Northeast Oklahoma) to $37.27 (Northeastern Wisconsin) 30 rural areas in the 50 states publish this job |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, "Metropolitan and nonmetropolitan area" table (nonmetropolitan area file) and national table. Area definitions: BLS OEWS area definitions. Pulled 2026-10-27. "Rural areas" means the BLS nonmetropolitan areas in the 50 states (territories are listed on the pay page). See pay for your rural area.
Questions to ask a contractor
- Are you licensed in my state?
- What does your per-foot price include: casing, grout, pump, pressure tank, water line?
- How deep do wells near me usually go?
- What happens, and what do I pay, if you hit a dry hole?
- Will you do a yield (flow) test and a water test?
- Who pulls the permit?
- Can you also install the pump, or do you work with a pump company?
Printable checklist for water wells · Glossary
Paying for it: grants, loans, and cost-share programs.
FAQ
How deep will my well be?
It depends on the local groundwater. Ask local drillers what nearby wells needed; many states also keep public well records.
How often should I test my well water?
The CDC recommends at least once a year for bacteria and other contaminants, and again after flooding or if the taste, smell, or color changes. Source: cdc.gov.
Do I need a permit?
In most places, yes. Your driller usually knows the rules and often pulls the permit. Confirm with your county or state.
How far does the well need to be from the septic system?
Your state or county sets the minimum distance. Your driller and septic installer should both know it, and they should plan the two together.