How much does it cost to run a well pump?

Typical wattage

250–1,100 W

Cost per hour

$0.05–$0.20

at 18.16¢/kWh (US avg)

Energy per hour

0.25–1.10 kWh

A well pump typically draws 250–1,100 W. At the US average residential rate of 18.16¢ per kWh (12-month average to August 2026), that is about $0.05–$0.20 for every hour it runs at full power.

Source figure is for a deep-well water pump; it runs only when water is drawn.

Cost per day and per month

Use per day	kWh per day	Cost per day	Cost per month
1 hour	0.25–1.10	$0.05–$0.20	$1.38–$6.08
2 hours	0.50–2.20	$0.09–$0.40	$2.76–$12.15
4 hours	1.00–4.40	$0.18–$0.80	$5.52–$24.31
8 hours	2.00–8.80	$0.36–$1.60	$11.05–$48.61

Scenarios show full-power hours. Appliances with thermostats or cycling compressors draw full power for only part of the time they are switched on.

Cost per hour by state

State	Rate (12-mo)	Cost per hour
Alabama	16.44¢	$0.04–$0.18
Alaska	26.94¢	$0.07–$0.30
Arizona	15.39¢	$0.04–$0.17
Arkansas	13.57¢	$0.03–$0.15
California	32.34¢	$0.08–$0.36
Colorado	17.17¢	$0.04–$0.19
Connecticut	27.42¢	$0.07–$0.30
Delaware	17.98¢	$0.04–$0.20
District of Columbia	24.48¢	$0.06–$0.27
Florida	15.41¢	$0.04–$0.17
Georgia	15.17¢	$0.04–$0.17
Hawaii	44.27¢	$0.11–$0.49
Idaho	12.77¢	$0.03–$0.14
Illinois	18.91¢	$0.05–$0.21
Indiana	16.90¢	$0.04–$0.19
Iowa	14.20¢	$0.04–$0.16
Kansas	15.13¢	$0.04–$0.17
Kentucky	13.94¢	$0.03–$0.15
Louisiana	13.02¢	$0.03–$0.14
Maine	29.60¢	$0.07–$0.33
Maryland	21.18¢	$0.05–$0.23
Massachusetts	30.39¢	$0.08–$0.33
Michigan	21.28¢	$0.05–$0.23
Minnesota	16.28¢	$0.04–$0.18
Mississippi	14.85¢	$0.04–$0.16
Missouri	13.97¢	$0.03–$0.15
Montana	13.94¢	$0.03–$0.15
Nebraska	12.74¢	$0.03–$0.14
Nevada	13.45¢	$0.03–$0.15
New Hampshire	26.95¢	$0.07–$0.30
New Jersey	23.74¢	$0.06–$0.26
New Mexico	16.51¢	$0.04–$0.18
New York	28.60¢	$0.07–$0.31
North Carolina	14.79¢	$0.04–$0.16
North Dakota	12.35¢	$0.03–$0.14
Ohio	18.41¢	$0.05–$0.20
Oklahoma	13.81¢	$0.03–$0.15
Oregon	15.53¢	$0.04–$0.17
Pennsylvania	20.86¢	$0.05–$0.23
Rhode Island	29.44¢	$0.07–$0.32
South Carolina	15.77¢	$0.04–$0.17
South Dakota	14.28¢	$0.04–$0.16
Tennessee	13.61¢	$0.03–$0.15
Texas	15.98¢	$0.04–$0.18
Utah	13.26¢	$0.03–$0.15
Vermont	23.90¢	$0.06–$0.26
Virginia	16.64¢	$0.04–$0.18
Washington	14.20¢	$0.04–$0.16
West Virginia	15.53¢	$0.04–$0.17
Wisconsin	18.79¢	$0.05–$0.21
Wyoming	14.01¢	$0.04–$0.15

Calculate with your own numbers

Frequently asked questions

How many watts does a well pump use?

A typical well pump uses 250–1,100 W, according to Virginia Cooperative Extension. Check the label on your model.

How much does it cost to run a well pump per hour?

About $0.05–$0.20 per hour at full power, at the US average rate of 18.16¢ per kWh.

How much does it cost to run a well pump for a month?

Running it 1 hour a day at full power costs about $1.38–$6.08 a month at the US average rate. Your cost depends on your hours and your state's rate.

How many kWh does a well pump use?

About 0.25–1.10 kWh per hour at full power (watts ÷ 1,000).

How can I find my well pump's exact wattage?

Check the rating label or manual, or measure it with a plug-in electricity usage meter, which shows real watts and kWh.

Rates: EIA, 12-month residential average. Cost = watts × hours ÷ 1,000 × rate (US Department of Energy method).

Sources

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