How Much Does King Salmon Cost Per Pound? A Breakdown of Prices

With its deep orange-red flesh, rich flavor, and huge size, it’s no wonder king salmon is the most prized salmon species But its stellar reputation comes at a price – king salmon is hands down the most expensive salmon variety So how much does king salmon cost per pound? Let’s break down current market prices.

An Overview of King Salmon

First, what makes king salmon so special? Here’s a quick primer:

• Biggest salmon species – Chinook salmon also called king salmon are the largest salmon species. Averages 10-15 lbs but can reach 100 lbs!

• Most flavorful: King salmon has the most oil, which gives it a smooth, buttery texture and a strong flavor. The salmon’s natural oils are full of healthy omega-3s.

• Deepest color – Bright orange-red to deep crimson colored flesh. Color comes from astaxanthin, an antioxidant.

• High prestige – The preferred gourmet salmon. Often highlighted on restaurant menus and sought for celebrations.

• Low supply – Most limited harvests of all salmon. Less than 1 million king salmon vs. 100+ million other salmon yearly.

This winning combination of incredible eating quality and very limited supply spikes prices for king salmon. Let’s look at current market rates.

Wild King Salmon Prices

For top-grade wild king salmon like prized Copper River kings, expect to pay:

• $35 to $50 per pound – Typical range at peak season like summer.

• $25 to $35 per pound – Occasional deals on farm-raised Ora King salmon.

• $50 to $70+ per pound – High demand times like holidays or the off-season.

• $75+ per pound – Specialty options like white king salmon or small harvests.

So wild king generally runs $35 to $50 per pound for whole fish or fillets. Prices dip closer to $25 per pound for farm-raised alternates like New Zealand’s Ora King. And costs can skyrocket over $70 per pound for specialty products.

Let’s look at what impacts pricing.

Factors That Determine King Salmon Prices

Several key factors affect the retail price per pound you’ll pay for king salmon:

• Wild vs farm-raised – Wild commands higher prices, but farm-raised costs less.

• Peak season vs low season – Summer glut drops prices slightly. Off-season or small harvests increase costs.

• Whole fish vs fillets – Fillets cost more per pound but yield more usable meat.

• Processing – Filleting, smoking, curing etc. adds to price per pound.

• Shipping – Overnight shipping required for freshness. Adds $20-$40 to costs.

• ** Location harvested** – Copper River salmon demands a premium. Bristol Bay costs less.

• Special offerings – White king and other rarities bring higher pricing.

• Retailer reputation – Premium retailers like Seattle Fish Co. command slightly higher prices.

• Order size – Larger orders may offer discounts per pound.

Now let’s see how prices break down based on different purchasing options.

King Salmon Prices: Whole Fish vs Fillets

Whole king salmon offers the best value per pound, but it’s only suitable if you can process the fish yourself. Expect around $35 to $45 per pound for a whole fish. You’ll get about a 70% usable meat yield after processing.

King salmon fillets offer more convenience at a higher cost. Fillets run $40 to $60 per pound, since you’re only paying for meat. Compared to a whole fish, you’ll get close to 100% usable salmon.

Many retailers also offer a middle ground: custom processing of whole fish to your order. For example:

• Whole king salmon + filleting = $45 to $55 per pound
• Whole king salmon + smoking = $50 to $70 per pound

So weigh cost vs labor when choosing whole fish or fillets.

King Salmon Prices: Wild vs Farm-Raised

Wild king salmon is the top choice for peak flavor and texture. Prices run $35 to $50 per pound or more. Availability follows natural seasons and habitat.

Farm-raised king salmon offers more supply for a better price. Farm-raised runs $25 to $35 per pound for brands like New Zealand’s Regal and Ora King salmon. Not quite as rich as wild kings, but still an excellent option.

Farm-raised kings help meet demand for this premium salmon. Their buttery fat content comes close to wild salmon. Purchase farm-raised for cost savings or when wild stocks are limited.

Buying King Salmon: Places To Order Online

Need king salmon? Here are some top online vendors:

• Seattle Fish Company – Wild kings for $45 to $60 per pound. Fillets or whole fish.

• Wild Alaskan Company – Wild caught for $40 to $50 per pound. Whole or portions.

• Vital Choice – Sustainably wild Copper River for $50+ per pound when in season.

• Fulton Fish Market – Farm-raised Ora King year-round for $25 to $35 per pound.

• Patagonia Provisions – Smoked salmon for $50 to $70 per pound.

• Pure Fish Market – Fresh or canned king salmon. Prices vary by season.

I recommend buying directly from retailers located near major fishing ports for the best access to fresh seafood.

Buying King Salmon for Events or Large Groups

Serving king salmon for a special event? Buying in bulk can help lower costs:

• Order whole fish – Saves around $5 to $10 per pound over fillets.

• Farm-raised king – Ora King salmon offers bulk savings over wild.

• Pre-order – Buy at the seasonal low price point by ordering ahead.

• Pick up locally – Avoid overnight shipping fees if possible.

While king salmon is still pricey for large groups, the delicious flavor and density of meat makes it worth the splurge for special occasions. Budget about $35 to $45 per person to be safe.

Is King Salmon Worth the Price?

King salmon definitely commands a salmon premium. But most foodies feel it’s worth the price for its lush texture, full flavor, and nutritional benefits. A few tips:

• Enjoy king salmon as an occasional treat vs everyday meal.

• Choose farm-raised kings to save around $10 per pound.

• Buy during peak summer and fall seasons for lower prices.

• Cook simply, adding acid, herbs, olive oil to complement, not cover up flavor.

• Portion to 6 oz per person to stretch budget. A little king salmon goes a long way!

What’s your budget for the king of salmon? With average prices of $35 to $50 per pound, king salmon makes for a special meal any food lover will appreciate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have some questions? Here are quick answers to common king salmon pricing queries:

Why is king salmon so expensive?

Low supply and high demand keeps prices up. King salmon have small, limited harvests yet are highly desired for their rich flavor, fatty texture and large size.

Is king salmon more expensive than other salmon?

Yes, king salmon averages $35 to $50 per pound, making it the most expensive salmon variety. Other wild salmon like sockeye cost $15 to $30 per pound in comparison.

Should I buy a whole king salmon or fillets?

Whole fish provides better value per pound, but fillets offer pure convenience. Buy whole salmon if you can process it yourself and save around $5 to $10 per pound.

Is farm-raised king salmon cheaper than wild?

Yes, farm-raised king costs $25 to $35 per pound, while wild king salmon ranges from $35 to $50+ per pound depending on seasonal availability.

Can I get a discount for ordering king salmon in bulk?

Possibly. Opt for whole fish, farm-raised salmon, and pre-order during peak season for the best bulk pricing on king salmon. Discounts may be modest due to limited supply.

What is the most expensive type of salmon?

Without question, king salmon demands the highest market price per pound. Certain specialty offerings like white king salmon can cost over $75 per pound.

So splurge on regal king salmon for your next special occasion. With buttery texture and sophisticated flavor, it’s a treat worth the premium price.