Plunger Lift Market Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Global Industry Analysis: By Type (Conventional Plunger Lift, Continuous-Run Plunger Lift, Gas-Assisted Plunger Lift, Horizontal Plunger Lift, and Others), By Application (Oil Wells, Gas Wells, Shale Wells, and Coal Bed Methane (CBM) Wells), By Component (Plunger Equipment, Surface Equipment, Downhole Equipment, and Automation & Monitoring Systems), By Operation (Onshore Wells, and Offshore Wells), By End User (Oil & Gas Exploration Companies, Independent E&P Operators, Service Companies, and Others), and Region Forecast 2020-2031

Plunger Lift Market size was valued at US$ X million in 2024 and is expected to reach US$ X million by 2031, growing at a significant CAGR of X% from 2025-2031. Moreover, in the USA, the Plunger Lift Market size was valued at US$ xx million in 2024 and is projected to reach US$ xx million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of xx% from 2025-2031. A plunger lift is an artificial lift system commonly used in natural gas wells, and sometimes in oil wells with high gas–liquid ratios, to remove liquids such as water, condensate, oil, wax, or sand that accumulate in the tubing. By clearing these fluids, it prevents liquid loading and restores well productivity.

The system works by allowing pressure to build up in the wellbore when shut in and then using that pressure to push a plunger and the collected fluid column to the surface once the valve is opened. Acting as a piston, the plunger drops to the bottom of the tubing, waits for liquids to gather, and then lifts them to the surface during flow. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), wells using plunger lifts instead of routine blowdowns can save on average around 600 thousand cubic feet of natural gas per well per year, while also avoiding an additional 30 thousand cubic feet annually from reduced workovers. Installation costs are typically modest, ranging between US$ 1,500 and 6,000 per well, and the systems significantly reduce methane emissions, making them both an economical and environmentally sustainable artificial lift method.

Key Takeaways

• Rising shale gas production, need for liquid unloading, regulatory pressure to reduce methane emissions, and digitalization (IoT/SCADA integration) are major growth drivers.
• Oil & Gas Exploration Companies are the primary adopters, driven by large-scale operations and production optimization needs.

Facts & Figures

• Plunger lifts can save 600 Mcf of natural gas per well annually and avoid an additional 30 Mcf/year from reduced workovers (U.S. EPA).
• Installation costs range between US$ 1,500–6,000 per well (EPA).
• S. shale oil production exceeded 12 million barrels per day in 2023 (EIA).

Key Developments:

• In August 2025, Flowco Holdings, Inc., acquired High-Pressure Gas Lift and Vapor Recovery Unit systems from Archrock. This acquisition enhances Flowco's capabilities in production optimization and artificial lift solutions, expanding their service offerings in the oil and gas industry.
• In June 2025, Baker Hughes and Repsol announced a partnership to implement advanced digital technologies using the Leucipa™ automated field production solution. This collaboration aims to enhance field operations through the integration of generative AI-driven virtual assistants.
• In September 2024, ChampionX introduced the SMARTEN™ Unify Control System, a next-generation digital platform designed for plunger lift operations. This system integrates AI, IoT, and wireless technologies to provide high-frequency data capture and real-time visibility into plunger cycle behaviors. It aims to optimize well productivity, efficiency, and profitability by offering automated control and live analytics at the edge.
• In 2024, Leistritz developed the Plunger Assisting Multiphase Pump (PAMP), a technology designed to enhance plunger lift operations by removing fluids above the plunger and reinjecting gas through the annulus. This innovation improves run efficiency, reduces downtime required for pressure accumulation, and addresses common challenges associated with liquid loading in gas wells.
• In 2024, Weatherford launched the WellPilot® F-15 Plunger-Lift Controller, a cost-effective, rigless solution designed to deliquify gas wells, maintain stable gas production, and prevent solids buildup. In a case study conducted in Mexico, the system increased production rates and eliminated the need for daily chemical treatments, resulting in significant operational cost savings.

Plunger Lift Market Segmentation:

Based on the Type:

• Conventional Plunger Lift
• Continuous-Run Plunger Lift
• Gas-Assisted Plunger Lift
• Horizontal Plunger Lift
• Others

The Conventional Plunger Lift segment dominates the market, owing to its simplicity, low installation costs, and proven reliability in low- to medium-depth wells. Widely adopted across North America and other mature gas-producing regions, it effectively removes liquid loading while minimizing operational complexity, making it the preferred choice for both operators and independent producers.

Based on the Application:

• Oil Wells
• Gas Wells
• Shale Wells
• Coal Bed Methane (CBM) Wells

The Gas Wells segment dominates the market, as these systems are primarily designed to remove liquids from natural gas wells and maintain gas flow efficiency. Their ability to reduce production downtime, lower methane emissions, and enhance recovery makes plunger lifts especially critical in gas well operations worldwide.

Based on the Component:

• Plunger Equipment
• Surface Equipment
• Downhole Equipment
• Automation & Monitoring Systems

Plunger Equipment dominates the market among the component segments, as it directly impacts well performance by efficiently lifting accumulated liquids. Its widespread adoption is driven by its critical role in maintaining gas production, low maintenance requirements, and compatibility with various well types, making it the most sought-after segment globally.

Based on the Operation:

• Onshore Wells
• Offshore Wells

The onshore wells segment dominates the market, driven by the extensive presence of shale and conventional gas fields in regions like North America and Asia Pacific. Onshore operations benefit from easier installation, lower costs, and simpler maintenance, making plunger lifts highly suitable compared to more complex and expensive offshore environments.

Based on the End User:

• Oil & Gas Exploration Companies
• Independent E&P Operators
• Service Companies
• Others

The Oil & Gas Exploration Companies segment dominates the market, driven by their large-scale operations and need to optimize production across multiple wells. These companies invest heavily in artificial lift technologies to enhance recovery, reduce downtime, and comply with environmental regulations, making them the primary end users of plunger lift systems.