Bulk Rock Salt Price per Ton: Guide for 2023-2024 Season

When the time comes for you to find a road salt supplier, you need to be sure you’re getting the best deal. Otherwise, your ice and snow removal service won’t see the profits you hope for. And, based on your location, bulk salt prices vary. So, no more speculation this winter season. Let’s look at 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 2023. 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 DOT. 

Bulk Rock Salt Usage and Consumption in 2023

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, and brine 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. Learn how much each US state consumes each year and in turn the bulk salt price. 

What’s Impacting the 2024 Salt Supply?

First, the forecasted weather! The 2024 Old Farmer’s Almanac is predicting a very divided winter, with half of the country set to experience a mild winter, and the other half expected to have a snowy season. The salt supply will likely depend on where you’re located and how mild or severe your winter will be this year. 

Another factor is the upcoming economic recession. As we head into this financial downturn, we can expect prices across the board to rise, and salt is no exception! Because of increased labor costs and potentially lower demand, the supply of road salt may be noticeably impacted in 2024. 

There has also been a severe drought in the Midwest, which may seem unrelated — but it’s not. When there is a drought, you can expect every aspect of the regional economy to be impacted. The drought will cause a major transportation issue, which will further lead to salt supply chain issues. The Mississippi River is at a record low, which will be a notable blow to the salt supply chain. 

Any of these factors individually would impact salt availability to a discernible degree, but to have all of these factors occur in one year suggests that the 2023-2024 winter will be unusual.

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

In 12+ years, we’ve never run out of salt. We’ve also never had to raise prices mid-season because we’ve miscalculated our supply. In fact, we lock our prices in at the beginning of the season and hold ourselves to it.

Our supply is already secured, and we’ve built a supply chain that ensures factors that impact other regional suppliers won’t impact us.

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 at Ninja De-Icer.

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. We never run out of salt and never have 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.

Trust our team at Ninja De-Icer to keep you safe and ready this winter with our bulk road salt. Get a quote today!