How much does it cost to plug an oil well?
In the 7 states with a graded estimate, the median reported cost to plug an oil well ranges from $25,383 in Louisiana to $140,684 in New Mexico. Within a state the spread is wide: the typical range in New Mexico runs from $75,103 to $323,520.
Cost to plug an oil well, by state
| State | Median per well | Typical range (10th–90th pct.) | Grade | Wells | Held-out error |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Louisiana | $25,383 | $16,674 – $47,233 | B | 306 | 28% |
| Kentucky | $27,216 | $16,500 – $43,792 | B | 623 | 22% |
| Illinois | $37,544 | $7,184 – $49,590 | A | 551 | 18% |
| Nebraska | $46,003 | $32,039 – $87,178 | B | 86 | 35% |
| Indiana | $54,863 | $33,394 – $93,568 | B | 171 | 27% |
| Colorado | $90,824 | $34,166 – $205,898 | B | 101 | 36% |
| New Mexico | $140,684 | $75,103 – $323,520 | B | 167 | 32% |
Why there is no single national figure
Cost differs several-fold between states, so one national number would mislead: a national median missed held-out wells by 82%. Location explains more of the cost than well type does. Use the state figure, or a county figure where one is graded.
What these figures cover
They are costs reported for wells plugged with public money since late 2022, mostly old and shallow orphan wells. They are not quotes and do not describe deep horizontal wells. Some agencies include surface restoration in the reported cost and some do not. See the limitations.
Related
- Plugging cost by well type
- Cost to plug a well per foot
- Plugging Cost Index for restating older costs
- Frequently asked questions