How much does water well drilling cost in Denver, CO?

Most Denver homeowners spend between $5,450 – $14,200 on water well drilling, with an average around $9,800. Local labor prices 9% above the national average, so Denver quotes tend to land at the higher end of national ranges.

Why is water well drilling more or less expensive in Denver than elsewhere?

Denver labor runs about 10% above the national average and books out in summer. Hail is the top driver of roof replacement; freeze-thaw affects concrete.

Do I need a permit for water well drilling in Denver, Colorado?

Denver permits required for roofing, structural, electrical and fences. Always confirm current requirements with the local building department before signing a contract, and make sure the permit is pulled by your licensed contractor.

How many quotes should I get in Denver?

Get at least three written quotes from licensed, insured Colorado contractors. Comparing line items — not just the bottom line — is the fastest way to spot an inflated bid in the Denver market.

How much does water well drilling cost in 2026?

Most homeowners pay between $5,000 and $13,000, with a national average near $9,000. Small, simple jobs land at the low end; large or premium-material jobs run well above the high end.

What is the cost per foot?

Installed pricing usually runs $25.00 to $65.00 per foot, including labor and materials. Expensive metros can run 15–45% higher than that range.

What drives the price up the most?

Scope and access. Larger quantities lower your per-foot price, but difficult access, demolition of existing work, structural repairs found mid-job, premium materials and rush scheduling each add 8–30%.

Permits are typically required when the work changes structure or ties into electrical, plumbing, gas or mechanical systems. Budget $75–$600 in most cities and confirm whether your contractor pulls it — unpermitted work can block a future home sale.

How long does the job take?

Most residential projects of this type finish in one to five working days once materials are on site. Custom orders, inspections and weather are the usual causes of delay.

How many quotes should I get?

Three. Bids on the same scope commonly vary 20–40%, and the middle bid with the strongest warranty and references is usually the best value — the cheapest bid often excludes prep, disposal or permits.

Home/Cost guides/Water Well Drilling/Denver, CO

Denver · Colorado

Water Well Drilling cost in Denver, CO

Denver homeowners typically pay $5,450 – $14,200 for water well drilling. Local labor and materials price 9% above the national average.

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Denver average

$9,800

Typical low

$5,450

Typical high

$14,200

Per foot

$27 – $71

Sample ZIP

80202

What drives Denver pricing

Local labor

Denver labor runs about 10% above the national average and books out in summer.

Permits & code

Denver permits required for roofing, structural, electrical and fences.

Climate & conditions

Hail is the top driver of roof replacement; freeze-thaw affects concrete.

Instant cost calculator

Adjust the inputs to see live pricing

Well depth (feet)200 feet

Quality / material level

Site access

Removal / prep work

Timing

Estimated project cost

$5,700 – $7,980

Most homeowners pay around $6,840

Compare quality / material level

Cost by material in Denver

Installed Denver pricing per foot.

Option	Installed cost	Pros	Cons
Shallow well	$30 – $42	—	—
Standard drilled well	$42 – $55	—	—
Deep rock well	$55 – $71	—	—
Deep well with treatment system	$71 – $98	—	—

Where the money goes in Denver

A typical $9,800 Denver project, broken down by line item.

Labor0.45% · $44
Materials0.38% · $37
Permits & inspections0.05% · $5
Overhead & profit0.12% · $12

Common add-ons

Extras that show up on Denver quotes but rarely in the headline price.

Pump and pressure tank

$1,300 – $4,350

Water testing

$110 – $545

Casing beyond standard

$22 – $55

Filtration or softener

$1,100 – $4,350

Ways to save in Denver

Ask neighbors how deep their wells are before budgeting.
Bundle pump, tank and wiring with the drilling contract for one mobilization.
Collect three written bids on an identical scope — spreads of 20–40% are normal.
Book in the off-season and stay flexible on the start date to save 5–15%.
Bundle nearby work into one mobilization so you only pay setup and travel once.
Ask what the contractor would change to cut 10% without hurting durability.

Denver FAQs

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More Denver research

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Water Well Drilling cost near Denver

Water Well Drilling cost in Aurora, CO

$5,250 – $13,679

Water Well Drilling cost in Lakewood, CO

$5,350 – $13,939

Water Well Drilling cost in Boulder, CO

$5,900 – $15,372

Water Well Drilling cost in Arvada, CO

$5,300 – $13,809

Water Well Drilling cost in Westminster, CO

$5,300 – $13,809

Water Well Drilling cost in Centennial, CO

$5,400 – $14,070

More Colorado cities

Colorado Springs Fort Collins Greeley Pueblo Thornton Longmont Loveland

Other project costs in Denver

Fence Installation in Denver

$1,635 – $4,360

Roof Replacement in Denver

$9,265 – $37,060

Kitchen Remodel in Denver

$19,620 – $103,550

HVAC Replacement in Denver

$5,995 – $19,620

Deck Building in Denver

$4,796 – $13,080

Window Replacement in Denver

$491 – $1,635

See every Denver cost guide