Hourly operation cost for an air rotary drill is in the $400-500 range nowIf the well drillers are as busy as they say. Simple math.
average of $10k/well
working only 180 days a year.
$1,800,000 in earnings.
Taxes minus 35%
fuel minus 25%
labor minus $50,000 for 1 guy.
Add in all the write-offs and equipment depreciation.
Done right, you wouldn't retire poor that's for sure.
Also have to factor in all the consumables (bits, hammers, polymers, etc)