Bulk Rock Salt Price per Ton: Guide for 2024-2025 Season

When the time comes for you to find a bulk salt supplier, you need to be sure you're getting the best deal. Otherwise, buying in bulk for your commercial property can get costly quickly. And, based on your location, bulk salt prices vary. So, no more speculation this winter season. Let's look at the current pricing for bulk salt in the United States.

Take some of the guesswork out of the equation. Look at the present-day production, consumption, and state of rock salt prices in 2024. Then, find your region and see what the average Department of Transportation (DOT) bulk rock salt consumption and costs are. Finally, understand how your expected costs vary from that of the DOT.

Bulk Rock Salt Usage and Consumption in 2024

Rock salt (sodium chloride) is currently the most common deicer for roads and highways. Other ice-melting products are sometimes used in its place. Common alternatives are calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, or liquid deicers.

The usage of rock salt for snow and ice melting in the U.S. has increased dramatically since the 1940s. Yet, production is in a surprising state. As with any product, when supply is low and demand is high, prices increase.

Some states like Oregon have decided not to use rock salt as a deicer for roads and highways because of the environmental impact of salt damage. Even so, consumption and costs continue to rise.

The U.S. Geological Survey’s Mineral Commodity Summaries 2024 reports that rock salt consumption is driven largely by de-icing applications for highways, which make up about 41% of total salt use in the U.S.

What’s Impacting the 2024-2025 Salt Supply?

First, the forecasted weather! The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts that a weak La Niña will influence the winter of 2024-2025, bringing wetter conditions to the northern tier of the United States and drier conditions to the southern tier:

• Wetter conditions: The northern tier of the continental U.S. is expected to see wetter-than-average conditions, especially in the Pacific Northwest, the Great Lakes region, and northern and western Alaska. The Ohio Valley may also see wetter conditions.
• Drier conditions: The southern tier of the U.S. is expected to see drier-than-average conditions, from the Four Corners region to the Southeast, Gulf Coast, and lower mid-Atlantic states.
• Warmer temperatures: The southern tier of the U.S. and the East Coast are expected to see warmer-than-average temperatures.

A La Niña occurs when the jet stream shifts northward across the eastern Pacific Ocean, causing a ripple effect on the atmosphere across North America. This can lead to:

• Cooler and wetter conditions in southern and interior Alaska and the Pacific Northwest
• Warmer and drier conditions in the southern tier of U.S. states
• Wetter conditions in the Ohio and Upper Mississippi River Valleys

A weaker La Niña may be less likely to result in conventional winter impacts.

With inflation rates remaining high, salt prices have already increased slightly. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, average rock salt costs in 2024 were up by roughly 3.5% from the previous year, influenced by higher transportation and labor costs as well as energy prices affecting salt production. This inflation means commercial buyers might face higher costs, possibly stretching budgets or leading to reduced purchase volumes.

Several states, particularly in the Midwest, have expanded roadway projects for the 2024-2025 winter, increasing the overall demand for deicing salt.

Salt imports from key suppliers, such as Canada and Chile, have decreased slightly due to logistical bottlenecks and rising import costs. These international sources contribute to approximately 25% of the U.S. salt supply, and reductions in their output could have ripple effects, particularly in coastal areas with fewer local mines.

Each of these factors alone would affect salt availability, but together, they indicate that the 2024-2025 season may see unpredictable availability and rising prices in regions with intense winter weather.

DOT Bulk Salt Usage, Cost, and Production by State

*Information based on data collected by the Washington State Department of Transportation. Calculated using 5-year averages. 

Alaska

• Bulk Salt Usage: Rock salt, 18K tons
• DOT Cost: $167 per ton
• Local Production: None

Arizona

• Bulk Salt Usage: Rock salt, 20K tons
• DOT Cost: $129 per ton
• Local Production: 1 solar salt production facility

Arkansas

• Bulk Salt Usage: Rock salt, 14K tons
• DOT Cost: $109 per ton
• Local Production: None

California

• Bulk Salt Usage: Rock salt, 22K tons
• DOT Cost: $150.50 per ton 
• Local Production: 5 solar salt production facilities and 2 evaporated salt Production Facilities

Colorado

• Bulk Salt Usage: Ice Slicer Salt, 118K tons
• DOT Cost: $102 per ton
• Local Production: None

Connecticut

• Bulk Salt Usage: Rock salt, 143K tons
• DOT Cost: $68 per ton
• Local Production: None

Delaware

• Bulk Salt Usage: Rock salt, 55K tons
• DOT Cost: $76 per ton
• Local Production: None

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Idaho

• Bulk Salt Usage: Rock salt, 43K tons
• DOT Cost: $74 per ton
• Local Production: None

Illinois

• Bulk Salt Usage: Rock salt, 466K tons
• DOT Cost: $73 per ton
• Local Production: None

Indiana

• Bulk Salt Usage: Rock salt, 367K tons
• DOT Cost: $78 per ton
• Local Production: None

Iowa

• Bulk Salt Usage: Rock salt, 203K tons
• DOT Cost: $76 per ton
• Local Production: None

Kansas

• Bulk Salt Usage: Rock salt, 85K tons
• DOT Cost: $54.50 per ton
• Local Production: 3 Evaporated Salt Production Facilities and 3 Mined Salt Production Facilities

Kentucky 

• Bulk Salt Usage: Rock salt, 287K tons
• DOT Cost: $73 per ton
• Local Production: None

Louisiana

• Bulk Salt Usage: None
• DOT Cost: Not Applicable
• Local Production: 2 Evaporated Salt Production Facilities and 3 Mined Salt Production Facilities

Maine

• Bulk Salt Usage: Rock salt, 100K tons
• DOT Cost: $74 per ton
• Local Production: None

Maryland

• Bulk Salt Usage: Rock salt, 228K tons
• DOT Cost: $70 per ton
• Local Production: None

Massachusetts

• Bulk Salt Usage: Rock salt, 500K tons
• DOT Cost: $59 per ton
• Local Production: None

Michigan

• Bulk Salt Usage: Rock salt, 550K tons
• DOT Cost: $62 per ton
• Local Production: 3 Evaporated Salt Production Facilities and 1 Mined Salt Production Facility

Minnesota

• Bulk Salt Usage: Rock salt, 212K tons
• DOT Cost: $80.50 per ton
• Local Production: None

Mississippi

• Bulk Salt Usage: Rock salt, 175 tons
• DOT Cost: $115.50 per ton
• Local Production: None

Missouri

• Bulk Salt Usage: Rock salt, 193K tons
• DOT Cost: $71 per ton
• Local Production: None

Montana

• Bulk Salt Usage: Rock salt, 35K tons and Solar Salt, 24K tons
• DOT Cost: $98-126.50 per ton
• Local Production: None

Nebraska

• Bulk Salt Usage: Rock salt, 85K tons
• DOT Cost: $55.50 per ton
• Local Production: None

Nevada

• Bulk Salt Usage: Rock salt, 70K tons
• DOT Cost: $60 per ton
• Local Production: 1 Mined Salt Production Facility

New Hampshire

• Bulk Salt Usage: Rock salt, 200K tons
• DOT Cost: $73 per ton
• Local Production: None

New Jersey

• Bulk Salt Usage: Rock salt, 150K tons
• DOT Cost: $70 per ton
• Local Production: None

New Mexico

• Bulk Salt Usage: Rock salt, 5K tons
• DOT Cost: $65 per ton
• Local Production: 3 Solar Salt Production Facilities

New York

• Bulk Salt Usage: Rock salt, 826K tons
• DOT Cost: $58.50 per ton
• Local Production: 2 Mined Salt Production Facilities

North Dakota

• Bulk Salt Usage: Rock salt, 30K tons
• DOT Cost: $80.50 per ton
• Local Production: None

Ohio

• Bulk Salt Usage: Rock salt, 645K tons
• DOT Cost: $67 per ton
• Local Production: 2 Evaporated Salt Production Facilities, 2 Mined Salt Production Facilities

Oklahoma

• Bulk Salt Usage: Rock salt, 50K tons
• DOT Cost: $67 per ton
• Local Production: 1 Solar Salt Production Facility

Pennsylvania

• Bulk Salt Usage: Rock salt, 976K tons
• DOT Cost: $62 per ton
• Local Production: None

Rhode Island

• Bulk Salt Usage: Solar Salt, 82K tons
• DOT Cost: $65 per ton
• Local Production: None

South Dakota

• Bulk Salt Usage: Rock salt, 45K tons
• DOT Cost: $78 per ton
• Local Production: None

Tennessee

• Bulk Salt Usage: Rock salt, 105K tons
• DOT Cost: $90.50 per ton
• Local Production: None

Texas

• Bulk Salt Usage: Rock salt, 1.5K tons
• DOT Cost: $46.50 per ton
• Local Production: 3 Evaporated Salt Production Facilities and 2 Mined Salt Production Facilities

Utah

• Bulk Salt Usage: Rock salt, 205K tons
• DOT Cost: $36 per ton
• Local Production: 4 Solar Salt Production Facilities and 1 Mined Salt Production Facility

Vermont

• Bulk Salt Usage: Rock salt, 105K tons
• DOT Cost: $74 per ton
• Local Production: None

Virginia

• Bulk Salt Usage: Rock salt, 105K tons
• DOT Cost: $88.50 per ton
• Local Production: 1 Evaporated Salt Production Facility

Washington

• Bulk Salt Usage: Rock salt, 60K tons
• DOT Cost: $140 per ton
• Local Production: None

West Virginia

• Bulk Salt Usage: Rock salt, 230K tons
• DOT Cost: $75 per ton
• Local Production: None

Wisconsin

• Bulk Salt Usage: Rock salt, 512K tons
• DOT Cost: $91 per ton
• Local Production: None

Wyoming

• Bulk Salt Usage: Rock salt, 20K tons
• DOT Cost: $76 per ton
• Local Production: None

Why You Don't Pay the Same Bulk Rock Salt Price in 2024

Departments of Transportation purchase bulk rock salt directly from manufacturers at a discounted rate due to the large volumes they order, often through state contracts. In addition to getting lower prices, DOTs must fulfill a minimum contracted amount each season, regardless of snowfall.

At Ninja De-Icer, we tailor our pricing and service model to meet the needs of our commercial customers. While our prices might be slightly higher than the rates DOTs receive, we offer flexibility and reliability that DOT contracts don’t. Our commercial clients aren’t locked into minimum order requirements, and our prices stay consistent throughout the winter, ensuring a steady supply without sudden price hikes. Think of us as your insurance policy: when you need salt, it’s available at the price you expect.

Why Choose Ninja De-Icer as Your Local Rock Salt & De-Icer Supplier

With our extensive experience in this industry, we know exactly what to expect. In our 15 years in business, we’ve never run out of salt and have never had to raise prices mid-season due to miscalculations. Our supply is ready for market, and we have an efficient supply chain methodology that ensures we don't encounter issues as other suppliers do.

You could wait and see what this season will be like, but that will likely put your business in a position of experiencing a shortage or crunched margins. Or, you can guarantee access to salt throughout the season at a fair price by partnering with us. Trust our team at Ninja De-Icer to keep your property safe and ready this winter with our bulk road salt. Get a quote today!