Missouri Water Well
Drilling Cost
The average residential well in Missouri is 195 feet deep and costs $7,800 in 2026. Drilling rates range from $25 to $58 per foot, with total project costs varying based on depth, geology, and pump system.
Avg. Well Depth
195 ft
Cost / Foot
$25–$58
Total Project
$7,800
vs. National
Near average
Missouri Well Drilling Cost by Depth
| Well Depth | Drilling Only | Complete System | Est. Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100 ft | $2,500–$5,800 | $7,300–$10,600 | $8,800 |
| 150 ft | $3,750–$8,700 | $8,950–$13,900 | $11,200 |
| 200 ft | $5,000–$11,600 | $10,600–$17,200 | $13,600 |
| 300 ft | $7,500–$17,400 | $13,900–$23,800 | $18,400 |
| 400 ft | $10,000–$23,200 | $17,200–$30,400 | $23,200 |
| 500 ft | $12,500–$29,000 | $20,500–$37,000 | $28,000 |
*Drilling only = drilling labor per foot. Complete system includes casing, pump, pressure tank, electrical, and permits. Costs are Missouri estimates for 2026.
Missouri Well System Component Costs
| Service | Low | High | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Well Casing — PVC (195 ft) | $1,170 | $2,145 | $1,560 |
| Well Casing — Steel (195 ft) | $5,850 | $25,350 | $12,675 |
| Submersible Pump | $300 | $2,000 | $1,000 |
| Pressure Tank | $500 | $2,000 | $1,100 |
| Electrical Hookup | $1,000 | $3,000 | $1,800 |
| Permits | $50 | $150 | Varies |
| Water Quality Testing | $50 | $500 | $200 |
*Component costs based on Missouri average well depth of 195 ft. Steel casing is typically required for bedrock wells; PVC is used in unconsolidated formations.
Estimate Your Well Drilling Cost in Missouri
Well Drilling Cost Calculator
Adjust the inputs to estimate your project cost
Itemized Cost Estimate
This estimate is 97% above the Missouri average of $7,800
Estimates are approximate. Actual costs depend on site conditions and contractor pricing.
Get Free Well Drilling Quotes in Missouri
Compare prices from licensed MO well drillers near you.
Missouri Geology & Aquifers
Missouri's Ozark Plateau is underlain by Cambrian and Ordovician dolomite and limestone, creating karst features including springs, caves, and sinkholes that influence groundwater flow. Northern Missouri has glacial drift deposits over Pennsylvanian shale and limestone bedrock.
Understanding your local geology is important because rock type directly affects drilling cost. Hard crystalline rock (granite, gneiss) costs more to penetrate than soft sedimentary formations (sandstone, limestone) or unconsolidated deposits (sand, gravel). Your well driller can estimate costs based on nearby well logs.
Primary Aquifer
Ozark Aquifer (Springfield Plateau and Salem Plateau) / Glacial Drift Aquifers (northern Missouri)
Water table depth: 50-200 feet in the Ozarks; 30-100 feet in northern Missouri glacial deposits; deeper in the Bootheel alluvial plain
Best Drilling Season
March through November; Ozark terrain can be challenging to access with heavy drill rigs in wet weather
Population on well water: About 18% of Missouri households use private wells, concentrated in the Ozarks and rural northern Missouri
Why Well Depth Varies in Missouri
Wells in Missouri range from 50 to 500 feet deep. The wide range is driven by regional differences in geology, water table depth, and aquifer type. A well in one part of the state may cost significantly more or less than another area just 50 miles away.
50 ft
Shallowest typical wells
Usually in areas with high water tables, sandy soils, or alluvial aquifers near rivers
195 ft
State average depth
Typical residential well for most Missouri locations
500 ft
Deepest typical wells
Usually in arid areas, mountain terrain, or where shallow aquifers are depleted
Missouri Well Drilling Permits & Regulations
Missouri requires all well drillers to be registered with the Department of Natural Resources. Drillers must pass a competency exam. Homeowners may drill their own wells but must follow construction standards and register the well.
Permit Authority
- Authority
- Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Division of Geology and Land Survey
- Permit Cost
- $50-$150
Water Rights
- Doctrine
- Reasonable Use
Well Water Quality in Missouri
Well water quality in Missouri varies by location and aquifer type. Testing your water at least annually is recommended, and a comprehensive test should be done before using a new well.
Common Water Quality Issues
iron
Treatment: iron filter or oxidation system
hardness
Treatment: water softener
hydrogen sulfide
Treatment: aeration system or chlorine injection
lead from galena mining areas
Treatment: appropriate treatment system
bacteria in karst systems
Treatment: UV disinfection or chlorination system
nitrate
Treatment: reverse osmosis or ion exchange system
Testing Recommendations
- Before first use: Full panel including bacteria, nitrates, pH, and state-specific contaminants ($150–$500)
- Annually: Bacteria (coliform) and nitrate testing at minimum ($50–$100)
- After flooding or repairs: Bacteria test to confirm well integrity ($25–$50)
Get Free Well Drilling Quotes in Missouri
Compare prices from licensed MO well drillers near you.
Well Drilling Costs by City in Missouri
Well drilling costs vary by location within Missouri. Select a city for local pricing details.
+ 7 more cities in Missouri. View all
Find Well Drillers in Missouri
We're expanding our directory of licensed well drillers in Missouri. Browse the current listings or get matched with local pros instantly.
Are you a well driller? Add your business for free →
Missouri Well Drilling FAQ
How deep do I need to drill a well in Missouri?
Do I need a permit to drill a well in Missouri?
What is the water quality like from wells in Missouri?
What type of well is best for Missouri?
How long does it take to drill a well in Missouri?
Get Free Well Drilling Quotes in Missouri
Compare up to 3 competitive quotes from licensed well drillers in MO. Free, no-obligation estimates.
- Licensed & insured MO well drillers
- Matched to your area & property
- Compare prices before you commit
Get Free Well Drilling Quotes in Missouri
100% free · No obligation · Licensed & insured pros