Updated 2025 · Specialty
How to Become a Well Driller
Well drillers operate drilling rigs to bore wells for water, geothermal heating, and environmental monitoring. They install well casings, pumps, and water treatment systems.
Steps to Become a Well Driller
- Meet basic requirements — You must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED. A strong foundation in math, physics, and shop classes helps.
- Apply to an apprenticeship program — Well Driller apprenticeships last 2 years and combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Apply through your local union (IBEW, UA, etc.) or a non-union contractor program. You earn while you learn from day one.
- Complete required training — Complete 4000 hours of on-the-job training and related classroom instruction.
- Earn certifications — Required certifications include: State well driller license (required in most states), CDL Class A or B, Water well pump installer certification, CPR and first aid.
- Pass the journeyman exam — After completing your apprenticeship, pass the journeyman licensing exam in your state to earn full journeyman status and pay.
What Does a Well Driller Do?
Well drillers operate drilling rigs to bore wells for water, geothermal heating, and environmental monitoring. They install well casings, pumps, and water treatment systems.
Daily Duties
- Operate truck-mounted and stationary drilling rigs
- Drill wells for water, geothermal, and environmental purposes
- Install well casings, screens, and pumps
- Test water quality and flow rates
- Maintain drilling equipment
Skills Needed
- Drilling rig operation
- Geology basics
- Pump installation
- Water testing
- Equipment maintenance
Required Certifications
- State well driller license (required in most states)
- CDL Class A or B
- Water well pump installer certification
- CPR and first aid
Well Driller Salary (2025)
The national median well driller salary is $52,055 per year. Pay ranges from $43,997 in the lowest-paying metro to $65,961 in the highest-paying metro. See the full well driller salary breakdown by city.
Apprentice Pay Progression
Well Driller apprentices earn while they learn, starting at approximately 40% of journeyman pay:
| Year | % of Journeyman | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 40% | $20,822 |
| Year 2 | 90% | $46,850 |
| Journeyman | 100% | $52,055 |
Union vs Non-Union Well Driller Pay
Union well drillers earn 12% more than non-union workers — $28.50/hour union vs $25.45/hour non-union. Approximately 6.7% of well drillers are union members. See the full union vs non-union comparison.
Work Environment
Well drillers work outdoors in rural and suburban areas. Travel between drilling sites. Physical work involving heavy equipment and all weather conditions.
Career Outlook
Steady demand for water well drilling, geothermal installations, and environmental monitoring wells. Geothermal heat pump installations growing rapidly.
Frequently Asked Questions
The national median salary for a well driller is $52,055 per year (2025 BLS data). Pay ranges from $43,997 to $65,961 depending on location, with top earners in the 90th percentile making significantly more.
It takes 2 years to complete a well driller apprenticeship. During this time, you earn while you learn — starting at approximately 40-50% of journeyman wages and receiving annual raises.
No college degree is required to become a well driller. The primary path is through an apprenticeship program or trade school. You will need to earn specific certifications: State well driller license (required in most states) and CDL Class A or B.
Well Driller earns a Trade Pay Score grade of D, meaning it rates moderately on pay relative to cost of living, wage growth, and demand. Steady demand for water well drilling, geothermal installations, and environmental monitoring wells. Geothermal heat pump installations growing rapidly.
/methodology