What is a Good Price for Fresh Salmon?

Salmon is one of the most popular and nutritious fish available. With its rich omega-3 fatty acids, high quality protein, and host of vitamins and minerals, salmon provides exceptional health benefits. However, this delicious and versatile fish can also come with a hefty price tag. So what exactly is considered a good price for fresh salmon?

Average Prices for Fresh Salmon

According to the USDA, the average price for fresh salmon fillets in 2022 was $9.08 per pound. This was for farm-raised Atlantic salmon. Wild caught salmon like sockeye, coho, and king generally range from $12 to $18 per pound or more depending on quality and location.

Here are some more average price ranges:

• Farm-raised salmon fillets – $8 to $12 per lb
• Wild sockeye salmon – $12 to $16 per lb
• Wild coho salmon – $14 to $18 per lb
• Wild king salmon – $15 to $25+ per lb

Of course prices can fluctuate throughout the year due to supply demand, and seasonal availability. Salmon prices tend to be lowest in summer months when wild salmon is abundant. Prices increase in the winter when less supply is available.

Factors Affecting Salmon Prices

Several key factors impact the retail price of fresh salmon:

Source

Wild caught salmon is typically more expensive than farm-raised. With wild salmon, availability varies depending on the time of year and region. Farm-raised salmon provides a consistent year-round supply

Species

The five main species of salmon – king, sockeye, coho, pink, and chum – range considerably in price. More premium varieties like king and sockeye cost more per pound due to their rich flavor and high oil content.

Origin

Where the salmon was caught or farmed also affects price. Salmon from certain premium regions like Alaska and Norway carries higher prices.

Quality Grade

The quality grading system for salmon includes ratings like sushi grade, premium, and previously frozen. Higher quality grades cost more per pound.

Market/Retailer

Prices can vary depending on the type of retailer. Salmon at large warehouse stores is typically cheaper than specialty fish markets and high-end grocery stores.

Fresh vs. Frozen

Fresh salmon generally costs $2 to $6 more per pound compared to frozen salmon. However, frozen salmon fillets can still provide good value.

Supply and Season

Prices rise and fall based on seasonal availability. Wild salmon availability is lowest in the late winter and highest during summer runs.

Processing

Filleted, skinned, and portioned cuts eliminate work but also increase the price per pound. Whole salmon usually costs noticeably less.

By understanding all the factors that go into pricing, you can better identify a bargain and determine what is a fair market price for fresh salmon.

What is a Good or Fair Price?

So when does a price become a “good deal” for fresh salmon? Here are some tips for getting quality salmon at a fair price:

• Farm-raised: Look for prices between $8 to $12 per pound for Atlantic salmon. Anything below $8 per lb is likely a good deal.

• Sockeye: Good prices range from $12 to $14 per lb. $16 per lb or more is on the pricier side.

• Coho: Fair deals are around $14 to $16 per lb. Watch for prices at $18+ per lb.

• King: This premium salmon can start at $18 per lb for a deal. Consider $20+ per lb to be a higher end price.

• Frozen vs. Fresh: Opt for frozen if fresh is over $2 to $3 more per lb.

• Whole Fish: Buy a side or whole salmon for $1 to $3 less per lb.

• Seasonal: Shop prices in summer and look for sales in winter.

• Trusted Sources: Buy from reputable grocers and fishmongers.

• Sustainable: Support sources that use responsible fishing and farming practices.

Salmon prices also depend on your location. Costs in major cities like Seattle and New York City tend to be higher while prices in the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, and Canada run lower. Wherever you live, the prices above can serve as a helpful benchmark for finding a good deal on fresh salmon.

Getting the Best Value on Fresh Salmon

Beyond looking at price, there are other ways to maximize the value you get from purchasing fresh salmon:

• Check quality signs like clear eyes, vibrant pink/red flesh, firm texture, and no dull or brown spots. Higher quality means better taste and less waste.

• Learn proper storage. Keep fresh salmon chilled at 32-38°F with ice or frozen at 0°F or below. Thaw in the refrigerator.

• Use within 2 days for optimal freshness unless you freeze remaining portions.

• Cook properly based on cut. Roasting, grilling, pan searing, and sous vide cooking excel at bringing out salmon’s flavor and texture.

• Eat more types of salmon. Try lesser known varieties like chum and pink which cost less but still deliver great nutrition and flavor.

• Use the whole fish. Salmon heads, tails, and bones can be repurposed into tasty stocks and soups.

• Substitute canned or pouches. Canned wild salmon provides comparable nutrition for significantly less cost.

Getting a good price makes salmon more affordable while proper handling, storage, and cooking lets you enjoy salmon’s full benefits. With wild availability declining, it also helps support sustainable fishing and responsible salmon farming. By buying smart, preparing well, and wasting less, you can get the most value from your fresh salmon purchases.

So now that you know what is generally considered a fair price for salmon, you can shop confidently, get more for your money, and enjoy delicious and nutritious salmon fillets for less. With average prices and smart shopping tips, you’ll gain peace of mind that you are getting a good bargain on your next fresh salmon purchase.

The price of 1 pound of salmon can vary widely based on several factors, including the type of salmon, where it’s purchased, and whether it’s fresh or frozen.