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How to become a licensed Water Well Driller in Minnesota. 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. 24 fields based on preliminary research. 1 field needs verification. We recommend confirming details with your state's licensing authority. See sources below · Report incorrect data
Yes
License Required
Yes
Exam Required
2 years
Experience
$500,000
Liability Insurance
$25,000
Surety Bond
$350
Total Initial Fees
Well Driller Licensing
Mostly verifiedExam Required
Yes
Minimum Age
18+
License Types Available
Water well driller licensing ensures that groundwater resources are protected during well construction. Most states require drillers to demonstrate experience, pass an exam, and maintain proper insurance to protect both public water supplies and private well owners.
Training & Apprenticeship
Mostly verifiedExperience Required
2 years
Apprenticeship
Required
CE Hours
12 hrs (annually)
NGWA Certification
Accepted
Well driller experience typically involves working under a licensed driller to learn proper drilling techniques, well construction standards, and groundwater protection practices. The National Ground Water Association (NGWA) offers voluntary certifications that are recognized in many states.
Liability Insurance & Surety Bond
Mostly verifiedLiability Insurance
$500,000
Surety Bond
$25,000
Many states require water well drillers to carry liability insurance to protect property owners and surety bonds to guarantee proper well construction. Insurance requirements typically cover damage to property and contamination of groundwater resources.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Application Fee | $100 |
License Fee | $200 |
Exam Fee | $50 |
Renewal Fee | $200 |
Total Initial Fees | $350 |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Mostly verified1 year
Renewal Period
12 hrs
CE Hours Required
Renewal Fee
$200
Regulatory Board
Well driller licenses must be renewed on schedule. States with continuing education requirements typically focus on well construction standards updates, groundwater protection, and state regulatory changes. NGWA also offers CE courses accepted by many states.
Standards & Reporting
Mostly verifiedConstruction Standards
Minnesota Well Code (Minnesota Rules Chapter 4725)
Well Reporting Required
Yes
Well Log Required
Yes
Well construction standards ensure groundwater quality and protect aquifers from contamination. Most states require well completion reports (well logs) to be filed with the state, documenting well depth, construction details, water levels, and geological formations encountered during drilling.
Minnesota has one of the nation's most detailed well codes (Chapter 4725), with multiple license classes based on well type.
Minnesota has one of the most comprehensive well contractor licensing programs, with multiple license categories and significant CE requirements.
There is no interstate compact for well drillers.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Minnesota.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Salary
#17 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
$52,400
+4% 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: Minnesota Department of Health — Well Driller Licensing
Estimated total: 21–116 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Minnesota Department of Health — Well Driller Licensing
21-116 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Minnesota Department of Health — Well Driller Licensing
Training manuals and reference guides for water well drilling professionals.
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Current as of date accessed
Accessed 2026-03-16
NGWA industry resource
Accessed 2026-03-16
Minnesota requires a license for water well drillers. An exam is required. 2 years of experience needed. A surety bond of $25,000 is required. All licensing is managed through the Minnesota Department of Health.
Requirements vary by state and locality. Always verify current requirements with your state or local regulatory authority.