Water well drilling with a truck-mounted rig

Rural homeowners, farmers and ranchers, home builders and land developers who are building where there is no public water supply.

Usually priced per foot drilled, plus charges for casing, grouting, a well cap and testing. Pump and tank installation and well repair add further income.

• Operating heavy equipment
• Mechanical maintenance and troubleshooting
• Reading local geology and well logs
• Estimating jobs and managing a crew

• Most states require a licensed well driller or contractor, often with an exam, experience and a surety bond; check your state board
• Well permits and construction standards vary by state and county, so check with your local health department
• General liability, equipment and workers' compensation insurance, since drilling is high-risk work
• Dry or low-yield holes: check how your contracts handle a well that does not produce enough water
• Call 811 for utility locates before drilling and follow overhead power line safety rules
• Large equipment loans and slow periods can strain cash flow

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $80,000 to $300,000, depending on the rig you buy, whether it is used, and your crew and support equipment.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $15,000 to $60,000, depending on how many wells you complete, your local market and whether you also install pumps and tanks.

Check your state board: most states require a licensed well driller or contractor, often with an exam, experience and a surety bond. Also check well permits and standards with your local health department, and your insurance, including workers' compensation.