We compared the quality and quantity of volatile components in salt-dried croakers prepared by different methods and obtained from different locations. In total, 110 compounds were found among regular- and delay-type salt-dried croakers purchased from two locations in Hong Kong. The major chemical classes included miscellaneous compounds(17), pyrazines(16), alcohols(15), and sulfur-containing compounds(13). Fish obtained in different locations but prepared by the same method differed only slightly in the number of identified compounds. In general, fish prepared by the delay method had a larger number of compounds compared to fish prepared by the regular method. Further, a greater number and higher levels of compounds were found in the fish obtained from one of the two locations. Overall, the delay preparation method resulted in a greater number of compounds with stronger intensity compared to the regular method.