How Much Is 1 Pound of Salmon? A Comprehensive Guide

Salmon is one of the most popular types of fish worldwide. Its rich flavor health benefits and versatility make it a home cook’s dream ingredient. But when shopping for salmon, many wonder – how much does a pound of salmon cost?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the price per pound of salmon so you know exactly what to expect We’ll look at how factors like species, origin, farming method, seasonality, and more impact the cost of salmon

Overview of Salmon Pricing

On average, fresh salmon costs $7 to $15 per pound at the retail level However, prices can range higher or lower depending on

• Species – Sockeye is most expensive, while Atlantic is budget-friendly
• Wild caught vs farmed – Wild salmon costs more
• Origin – American salmon is pricier than imported
• Fresh vs frozen – Fresh salmon commands a higher price point
• Cut type – Fillets cost more than whole fish
• Time of year – Out-of-season salmon is more expensive
• Where it’s sold – Prices at fish markets vs supermarkets

We’ll go over each of these in more detail below so you can learn how to find salmon options that won’t break the bank.

Salmon Species

The species of salmon makes a major difference in price per pound. Some of the most popular commercially sold salmon varieties include:

• Sockeye – The leanest and most intense in color/flavor. $9 to $15 per lb
• Coho – Delicate flavor with medium fat content. $8 to $12 per lb
• King (Chinook) – Highest fat content with buttery texture. $12 to $18 per lb
• Atlantic – Mild flavor and affordable price point. $4 to $8 per lb
• Pink – Abundant variety with mild taste.$5 to $8 per lb

So if you’re looking for budget salmon, opt for Atlantic or pink varieties. Treat yourself to indulgent king or sockeye salmon for special occasions.

Wild Caught vs Farmed Salmon

Wild salmon generally costs more per pound than farmed salmon. Here’s an overview:

• Wild caught salmon – Caught in natural habitats like the Pacific Ocean. $12 to $18 per lb
• Farmed salmon – Raised in managed aquaculture systems. $6 to $12 per lb

There are pros and cons to each salmon type depending on your priorities like cost, sustainability, flavor, and nutrition. Talk to your local fishmonger to determine the best option for your needs and budget.

Origin Impacts Price

Where the salmon is caught or raised also affects the per pound price tag:

• American wild salmon – Caught in Alaska or Pacific Northwest. $14 to $18 per lb
• Imported wild salmon – Caught in Canada or Scandinavia. $10 to $15 per lb
• Domestic farmed salmon – Raised in U.S. operations $8 to $12 per lb
• Imported farmed salmon – Raised in Canada or Chile $6 to $10 per lb

American-caught wild salmon demands the highest premium given local sourcing. But imported farmed salmon from Chile or Norway offers budget savings.

Fresh vs Frozen Salmon Costs

Fresh salmon generally costs $2 to $5 more per pound than frozen salmon. Here’s a price comparison:

• Fresh salmon – Never frozen. $9 to $15 per lb
• Frozen salmon – Flash frozen shortly after catch. $7 to $12 per lb

Freezing makes salmon more shelf-stable, allowing suppliers to store inventory longer. So frozen salmon can be sold at a discount. Buy fresh for premium quality or opt for budget frozen salmon.

Salmon Cut Prices

How the salmon is cut also impacts cost per pound:

• Whole salmon – Not cleaned or filleted. $5 to $8 per lb
• Salmon steaks – Thick cross-section cuts. $7 to $12 per lb
• Salmon fillets – Skinless, boneless cuts. $9 to $15 per lb

Whole salmon and steaks require more prep work, allowing retailers to sell these cuts cheaper. Fillets offer convenience at a premium price point.

Seasonal Price Fluctuations

Like many fish and seafood, salmon pricing fluctuates based on season:

• Peak season – June to September. More abundant supply, so prices are lower.
• Low season – October to May. Catches are smaller, so prices are higher.

During peak salmon season in summer and early fall, you can often save $2 to $5 per pound on fresh wild salmon. Stock up and fill your freezer!

Where to Buy Budget Salmon

Where you purchase salmon also impacts per pound pricing. Here are some tips:

• Check primary fish markets for direct pricing
• Buy in bulk quantities for discounts
• Look for weekly sales at supermarkets
• Buy frozen salmon for savings
• Canned salmon offers a very budget-friendly option

With some smart shopping strategies, you can find deliciously fresh salmon for under $10 per pound.

Average Retail Prices Per Pound

Based on the factors above, here are typical national averages for salmon cost per pound at the retail level:

Salmon Type	Average Price Per Pound
Wild sockeye	$12-$15
Wild king	$14-$18
Wild coho	$10-$12
Wild pink	$8-$10
Farmed Atlantic	$6-$10
Canned salmon	$3-$5 per can

Of course, you’ll find variation depending on your specific region and retailers. Use these numbers as a helpful benchmark when shopping for salmon.

Buying Salmon in Bulk

Buying salmon in larger bulk quantities can help you score discounts compared to purchasing individual portions. Here are some typical bulk salmon prices:

Quantity	Average Price
Whole salmon (4-8 lbs)	$6-$8 per lb
Side of salmon (2.5-4 lbs)	$7-$10 per lb
1 lb salmon fillet	$9-$12 per lb
5 lb box salmon fillets	$7-$10 per lb

As you can see, purchasing a whole salmon side or box of fillets in bulk offers nice per-pound savings compared to buying individual servings. Split bulk salmon with friends or freeze portions for later!

Factors That Impact Salmon Pricing

To summarize, the main factors that determine the per pound price of salmon include:

• Species – Sockeye, coho, king, pink, Atlantic, etc.
• Wild vs farmed – Wild salmon costs more
• Origin – American salmon costs more than imported
• Fresh vs frozen – Fresh is more expensive
• Cut type – Fillets cost more than whole fish
• Season – Prices peak in low season from October to May
• Where it’s sold – Fish markets offer better deals than supermarkets

Keep these key factors in mind when shopping for salmon to find the best options within your budget.

How Much Protein in a Pound of Salmon?

One of the biggest benefits of salmon is that it’s a lean protein powerhouse! Here’s an overview of the protein content:

• A 6 oz salmon fillet contains 34-40g of protein
• So a 1 lb salmon fillet (16 oz) has 68-80g of protein

Sockeye salmon has the most protein, while Atlantic and pink have slightly less but still offer 20-25g protein per 3 oz serving.

So a pound of salmon can provide over 50g of muscle-building protein for less than $15 in most cases!

Get the Best Salmon Value

Now that you know the major price factors, here are some tips for getting the best value when buying salmon:

• Choose more affordable Atlantic or pink salmon
• Buy during peak season in summer/early fall
• Look for farm-raised salmon, often much cheaper than wild
• Purchase frozen salmon for discounts vs fresh
• Buy in bulk quantities when possible
• Check weekly ads and stock up on deals
• Use canned salmon for budget recipes

With the right shopping strategies, you can enjoy delicious, healthy salmon without breaking the bank!

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about the price of salmon per pound:

How much does a pound of salmon cost at Costco?

At Costco, expect to pay $7 to $12 per pound for fresh farmed Atlantic salmon. Wild sockeye is $12 to $15 per pound. Buying in multipound packages can offer discounts.

What is the average cost of salmon per pound at Walmart?

Walmart sells farmed Atlantic salmon for around **$7 to $9 per