Pennsylvania · 2026 pricing
Well drilling cost in Pennsylvania
A 200ft well in clay/loam with submersible pump in Pennsylvania: $7,878–$16,560 · state cost factor 1.15× (driven heavily by local geology + licensing density).
Well Drilling Cost Calculator
Estimated cost
$7,360–$15,180
Typical: $11,270 · state factor 1.15×
Line items
- Drilling$6,900
- Casing — PVC plastic$2,760
- Pump — Submersible (recommended)$1,610
No signup, no email required. Estimates are educational — get 2–3 written quotes from licensed contractors before signing.
Estimates are educational — actual quotes from local pros may differ based on site conditions, permits, and seasonal demand.
Why Pennsylvania drilling runs above the US average
Well drilling pricing in Pennsylvania reflects three regional factors: geological difficulty (rocky Northeast and Mountain West charge premium per-foot rates), licensed driller density, and permit / water-test requirements. The 1.15× factor is calibrated from state geological survey data and 2025 HomeAdvisor cost reports. For best results, get 2-3 quotes from drillers certified by the National Ground Water Association (NGWA).
Local market in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has 100+ NGWA-certified drillers across the state, with the highest concentration in NW PA (Marcellus + Utica shale country) and SE PA (Lehigh Valley, Lancaster, Berks). Marcellus shale drilling commands the country's highest per-foot rates in residential — hard-rock drilling at 200-400 ft is the norm. SE PA glacial deposits offer cheaper, faster drilling.
Permits, code, and licensing in Pennsylvania
PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) regulates well drilling. Licensed driller required; the license number must appear on the well log submitted to DEP within 60 days of completion. Permit fees range $100-$300 statewide. PA's Groundwater Information System has 1M+ historical well records publicly searchable.
Top metros in Pennsylvania
Strongest demand and contractor density: Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, Erie, Reading.