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How to become a licensed Water Well Driller in District of Columbia. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Well Driller
Some information on this page has not been fully verified.
0% of data points are verified against official sources. 2 fields based on preliminary research. 23 fields need verification. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
No Statewide Well Driller License Required
District of Columbia does not require a statewide license to work as a water well driller. You may still need local permits or registrations. Voluntary NGWA (National Ground Water Association) certifications may enhance your credibility and career opportunities.
District of Columbia does not require a statewide license to work as a water well driller. This means there is no state-issued license or permit specifically for well drilling. However, well construction standards and well log reporting requirements may still apply. Local permits may also be required depending on your county or municipality. Voluntary NGWA (National Ground Water Association) certification is widely recognized and can help establish your professional credibility.
District of Columbia Does Not Require Statewide Well Driller Licensing
District of Columbia is among a small number of jurisdictions that do not require a statewide license to work as a water well driller. However, well construction standards and reporting requirements may still apply. Local permits may also be required. Voluntary NGWA (National Ground Water Association) certification is widely recognized and may be preferred by customers and employers.
The District of Columbia does not regulate well drilling because the urban area relies on public water supplies.
DC does not regulate water well drilling due to the urban nature of the district.
There is no interstate compact for well drillers.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in District of Columbia.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Salary
#8 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas (SOC 47-5021)
Entry Level
N/A
25th percentile
Median
$56,200
+12% vs. national avg ($50,200)Experienced
N/A
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
Note: BLS SOC 47-5021 (Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas). This category includes water well drillers along with other non-oil/gas drilling occupations.
Source: BLS OEWS - Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2022-2032
Projected Growth
+5%
Average GrowthNew Jobs
N/A
over 10 years
Annual Openings
N/A
per year (avg.)
N/A currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2022-2032 (September 2023)
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Source: District of Columbia Department of Energy and Environment — Well Driller Licensing
Estimated total: 1–4 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: District of Columbia Department of Energy and Environment — Well Driller Licensing
1-4 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: District of Columbia Department of Energy and Environment — Well Driller Licensing
Training manuals and reference guides for water well drilling professionals.
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Shop essential tools and supplies to get started in your career.
Current as of date accessed
Accessed 2026-03-16
NGWA industry resource
Accessed 2026-03-16
While District of Columbia does not require a statewide well driller license, pursuing NGWA certification can improve your career prospects and demonstrate professional competence. Well construction standards still apply in most areas.
Requirements vary by state and locality. Always verify current requirements with your state or local regulatory authority.