How Much Does Salmon Fillet Cost? A Detailed Pricing Guide

Salmon fillet is one of the most popular seafood options. With its rich, fatty texture and mild flavor, it’s no wonder salmon fillet is a menu staple at restaurants and a dinner table favorite. But with so many options at the store or fish market, you may be wondering – how much does salmon fillet cost?

The price of salmon fillet can vary quite a bit based on several factors. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the key details that impact the cost of salmon fillet so you can better understand the price range and make informed choices when shopping for this healthy protein.

Types of Salmon Impact the Price

There are five main types of salmon that are commercially fished and sold

• King (Chinook) – The largest salmon species, king salmon can reach up to 100 pounds. It has a high fat content, giving it a buttery texture. It is the most expensive type of salmon.

• Sockeye (Red) – Known for its bright red-orange color and rich flavor, sockeye salmon ranks as the second most expensive salmon variety.

• Coho (Silver): Tastes like king, has a medium amount of fat, and has small flake. It costs less than king and sockeye salmon.

• Pink – The most abundant salmon species, it has a mild flavor and light pink flesh. It’s one of the most affordable salmon types.

• Chum (Keta) – Lowest fat content gives this salmon a less rich texture. It’s commonly used for processed salmon products and is the cheapest salmon variety.

The price difference between high-end king salmon and cheaper pink or chum salmon can be big—sometimes $15 to $20 per pound! The type of salmon has a big effect on the price of salmon fillets.

Farmed vs Wild Salmon Have Different Costs

In addition to type of salmon, whether the fish is farmed or wild caught dramatically affects the price point.

Wild Salmon – Caught in the open ocean, wild salmon prices fluctuate seasonally with supply and demand. Since availability is limited, wild salmon demands a higher price.

Farmed Salmon – Also called farm-raised salmon, these fish are bred and raised in contained ocean pens or tanks. With a stable supply, farmed salmon costs less than wild varieties.

On average, wild salmon can cost $2-7 more per pound compared to the same salmon species from a farm. There are pros and cons to each when it comes to nutrition, environment, and sustainability. Do your research to decide which is the better choice for your needs and budget.

Salmon Fillet Cost Per Pound

To help you get a better idea of how much something really costs, here is a list of how much salmon fillet is thought to cost per pound:

• King Wild Salmon – $15 to $30+ per lb
• Sockeye Wild Salmon – $18 to $25 per lb
• Coho Wild Salmon – $12 to $18 per lb
• Atlantic Farmed Salmon – $8 to $15 per lb
• Pink Salmon – $5 to $8 per lb

These prices can fluctuate based on season, location, source, and retailer. Expect to pay more at upscale grocery stores or fish markets compared to big box stores. Sales can also impact pricing.

When looking at farmed salmon options, certification programs like the Aquaculture Stewardship Council or Best Aquaculture Practices can increase costs but provide assurances for sustainability practices.

Portion Sizes Change Fillet Costs

In addition to variety and source, the portion size you select will determine how much you pay. Here are some common salmon fillet sizes:

• Whole Fillet – Typically 4 to 6 ounces; provides a meal for 1
• Half-Fillet – Around 3 ounces; good for 1 serving
• Fillet Portions/Cutlets – Usually 4-6 ounces each
• Skinless Fillets – Pre-skinned and deboned; costs more
• Salmon Steaks – Cut across the fillet with skin on; portion is about 6-8 ounces

Larger cuts like whole fillets or steaks offer more value per pound. Pre-cut skinless fillets or individual portions cost more for the convenience while reducing usable weight.

When estimating cost, consider the total weight you need. Buying in bulk quantities can lower the per pound price. Also factor in usable weight if you don’t want skin, bones, or bloodline.

Grocery Store Prices

To give you an idea of real-world salmon fillet costs, here are some average grocery store prices:

• Whole Foods – $12 to $18 per lb for Atlantic farmed salmon fillet
• Kroger – $8 to $12 per lb for salmon fillet
• Walmart – $7 to $10 per lb for Atlantic salmon fillet
• Aldi – $7 to $9 per lb for salmon fillet
• Costco – $9 to $15 per lb for wild caught salmon fillets

For premium wild Pacific salmon like sockeye or king, prices at grocery stores often start around $18 per pound and can go up to $30 or more per pound.

Check ads and look for markdowns on packaged salmon approaching its sell-by date for best values. Frozen salmon fillets are another budget-friendly option.

Save Money With Whole Fish

One insider tip to save money on salmon is to buy a whole dressed fish rather than fillets. Depending on size, a whole salmon generally costs $5 to $8 per pound compared to $8 to $15 per pound for fillets.

The trade-off is you’ll need to do the work to portion and fillet the fish yourself. However, with a sharp fillet knife, a large fish is easy to break down. Going whole fish can be a smart way to get high-quality salmon at a lower price point.

Is Salmon Fillet Worth the Price?

Given all these factors that go into salmon pricing, is it worth paying the higher cost compared to chicken, pork, or other fish? Looking at nutrition, sustainability, taste, and versatility, salmon fillet delivers excellent value:

• Full of omega-3s and protein, salmon offers unique health benefits
• Environmentally-certified salmon helps protect wild stocks
• Bold, rich flavor satisfies taste buds like few other proteins
• Works well grilled, baked, poached, smoked – endless options!

While not the cheapest protein source, salmon fillet provides a worthwhile splurge a few times a month. Understanding the key pricing factors allows you to shop smart and get the best salmon for your budget.

So next time you’re comparing prices on those beautiful salmon fillets, use this guide to quickly decode the labels, know what’s a good deal, and take home the perfect fish for a delicious and nutritious meal that won’t break the bank!