How many watts does a well pump use?
Most well pumps use 250–2,000 watts while running (typically about 1,000 W) and 1,500–4,000 W for a few seconds when the motor or compressor starts. At the U.S. average rate of 18.16¢/kWh, a typical one costs about $11.05 a month ($133 a year).
Cost to run a well pump: calculator
Running vs starting watts
Running watts are what it draws while operating; they drive your electricity bill. Starting watts are a short surge when a motor or compressor kicks on; they matter for sizing a generator or power station.
| Source | Running | Starting |
|---|---|---|
| Champion Power Equipment generator wattage chart | 750–2,000 W | 1,500–4,000 W |
| Honda generator wattage chart (PDF) | 500 W | 650 W |
| U.S. DOE Energy Saver, typical appliance wattages (archived) | 250–1,100 W | — |
Will a power station run it?
A 1,000 Wh power station would run a typical well pump for about 0.8 hours (assuming 85% conversion efficiency). Look for at least 2,000 W continuous output and 6,000 W surge (peak). Check your power station or generator →
Cost by state
Based on 1,000 W for 2 hours a day, 365 days a year (730 kWh/yr).
Cost to run a well pump in every state
| State | Rate | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 16.33¢ | $9.93 | $119 |
| Alaska | 29.41¢ | $17.89 | $215 |
| Arizona | 15.05¢ | $9.16 | $110 |
| Arkansas | 14.37¢ | $8.74 | $105 |
| California | 29.75¢ | $18.10 | $217 |
| Colorado | 17.17¢ | $10.45 | $125 |
| Connecticut | 24.51¢ | $14.91 | $179 |
| Delaware | 18.70¢ | $11.38 | $137 |
| District of Columbia | 25.98¢ | $15.80 | $190 |
| Florida | 14.99¢ | $9.12 | $109 |
| Georgia | 15.90¢ | $9.67 | $116 |
| Hawaii | 47.18¢ | $28.70 | $344 |
| Idaho | 13.37¢ | $8.13 | $97.60 |
| Illinois | 19.32¢ | $11.75 | $141 |
| Indiana | 17.02¢ | $10.35 | $124 |
| Iowa | 17.06¢ | $10.38 | $125 |
| Kansas | 15.47¢ | $9.41 | $113 |
| Kentucky | 13.80¢ | $8.40 | $101 |
| Louisiana | 12.87¢ | $7.83 | $93.95 |
| Maine | 32.11¢ | $19.53 | $234 |
| Maryland | 21.40¢ | $13.02 | $156 |
| Massachusetts | 30.48¢ | $18.54 | $223 |
| Michigan | 22.99¢ | $13.99 | $168 |
| Minnesota | 17.20¢ | $10.46 | $126 |
| Mississippi | 14.43¢ | $8.78 | $105 |
| Missouri | 16.02¢ | $9.75 | $117 |
| Montana | 15.57¢ | $9.47 | $114 |
| Nebraska | 13.54¢ | $8.24 | $98.84 |
| Nevada | 12.72¢ | $7.74 | $92.86 |
| New Hampshire | 27.64¢ | $16.81 | $202 |
| New Jersey | 24.61¢ | $14.97 | $180 |
| New Mexico | 16.51¢ | $10.04 | $121 |
| New York | 28.65¢ | $17.43 | $209 |
| North Carolina | 14.95¢ | $9.09 | $109 |
| North Dakota | 13.31¢ | $8.10 | $97.16 |
| Ohio | 19.38¢ | $11.79 | $141 |
| Oklahoma | 14.82¢ | $9.02 | $108 |
| Oregon | 15.92¢ | $9.68 | $116 |
| Pennsylvania | 21.77¢ | $13.24 | $159 |
| Rhode Island | 28.18¢ | $17.14 | $206 |
| South Carolina | 15.76¢ | $9.59 | $115 |
| South Dakota | 15.15¢ | $9.22 | $111 |
| Tennessee | 13.42¢ | $8.16 | $97.97 |
| Texas | 15.91¢ | $9.68 | $116 |
| Utah | 13.31¢ | $8.10 | $97.16 |
| Vermont | 23.84¢ | $14.50 | $174 |
| Virginia | 17.64¢ | $10.73 | $129 |
| Washington | 14.63¢ | $8.90 | $107 |
| West Virginia | 16.31¢ | $9.92 | $119 |
| Wisconsin | 19.41¢ | $11.81 | $142 |
| Wyoming | 14.43¢ | $8.78 | $105 |
FAQ
How many watts does a well pump use?
Most well pumps use 250–2,000 watts while running (typically about 1,000 W) and 1,500–4,000 W for a few seconds when the motor or compressor starts. At the U.S. average rate of 18.16¢/kWh, a typical one costs about $11.05 a month ($133 a year).
What are the starting watts of a well pump?
About 1,500–4,000 W for a second or two at start-up. This matters when sizing a generator or power station, not for your electricity bill.
How much does it cost to run a well pump?
About $11.05 a month at the U.S. average rate (18.16¢/kWh, August 2026), based on 1,000 W for 2 hours a day, 365 days a year (730 kWh/yr). In the cheapest state it's about $7.74 a month; in the most expensive, $28.70.
How many kWh does a well pump use?
About 730 kWh a year (61 kWh a month), based on 1,000 W for 2 hours a day, 365 days a year (730 kWh/yr).
Can a power station or generator run a well pump?
A 1,000 Wh power station would run a typical well pump for about 0.8 hours. Look for at least 2,000 W continuous output and 6,000 W surge (peak).