The U.S. has potential for substantial expansion of marine finfish aquaculture. Research investment has led to identification of candidate species for commercialization. Growout production costs were estimated for four scales of production in ponds, recirculating aquaculture system tanks (RAS), and net pens. The five species evaluated for net pen production (redfish, Sciaenops ocellatus, striped bass, Morone saxatilis, cobia, Rachycentron canadum, red snapper, Lutjanus campechanus, and seriolids (generic analysis for almaco jack, Seriola rivoliana, California yellowtail, S. lalandi, and greater amberjack, S. dumerili) were profitable. In ponds, four of the 10 species evaluated were profitable, including redfish, hybrid drum, ♀Pogonias cromis x ♂Sciaenops ocellatus, black sea bass, Centropristis striata, and cobia. None of the 13 species analyzed for RAS production were profitable. The lower per-kg costs in net pens, followed by pond production explained the differences in profitability. RAS production costs were two to five times greater per kg than in ponds or net pens. Capital assets were used more efficiently in ponds and net pens, resulting in lower percentages of fixed costs than in RAS. Research production trials conducted under conditions that simulate commercial production with an endpoint of market-sized fish are needed to provide databases from which to optimize management, increase efficiencies, and reduce breakeven prices. Until yields (kg/cubic meter) in RAS are much greater than at present, ponds and net pens are the likeliest production systems for profitable marine finfish production.