How much does a drilling rig cost?

Looking at the total cost of a drilling operation means more than just the rig's price. Fuel costs for big rigs can add up quickly, as they run non-stop. For example, drilling a horizontal well can cost over $4 million and take about three weeks. Another big expense is labor. The job needs skilled people, with 40-50 companies often involved.

How much does well drilling cost?

Well drilling prices range from $30 to $80+ per foot for a complete installation or $20 to $30 per foot just to drill. Expect to pay significantly more when digging in remote areas or through rocky, sloped, dry, or low-quality soil. The table below shows the average well drilling and well system installation costs for various depths.

How much does a drilling rig cost in 2025?

Here’s a table comparing the costs to buy new, buy used and rent a drilling rig in 2025: The cost of buying a new drilling rig ranges from $3-4 million for basic land rigs to over $1 billion for advanced offshore rigs.

How much does oil & gas drilling cost?

Knowing these helps you plan your budget for oil and gas projects. Onshore drilling costs between $200,000 and $310,000 per day. This price covers basic rig work but doesn't include extra services. Labor costs are a big part of this expense. Offshore drilling is pricier, costing $600,000 to $800,000 daily.

Should you buy a used drilling rig?

The used drilling rig market is a cost-effective option for operators. Prices change based on age, condition, and demand. On average, machines stay listed for 180 days on used equipment websites. When looking at a used rig, buyers need to think about maintenance costs. These costs can be quite high.

How much does an offshore rig cost?

Offshore rigs are even pricier. They start at $20 million for basic ones and can go up to $1 billion for deepwater rigs. The cost depends on how deep the water is and the technology used. Special rigs for specific jobs have different prices. Their cost depends on what they can do and their features.