USDA/FDA: cook salmon to 145°F (63°C), or until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily. Many cooks prefer it moister: America's Test Kitchen pulls farmed salmon at 125°F and wild at 120°F.
- USDA safe minimum
- 145°F63°C internal temperature
- Rest time
- NoneNo rest required
- Doneness range
- 120–125°FWild salmon (silky) to farmed salmon (firm yet silky)
- Safe & popular
- 125°FFarmed salmon (firm yet silky)
- 120°FWild salmon (silky)49°C
- 125°FFarmed salmon (firm yet silky)52°C
Safe minimums from USDA FSIS and FoodSafety.gov. Checked .
Salmon temperature chart
| Doneness | °F | °C | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wild salmon (silky) | 120°F | 49°C | America's Test Kitchen pull temp for wild salmon; below USDA's 145°F |
| Farmed salmon (firm yet silky) | 125°F | 52°C | America's Test Kitchen pull temp for farmed Atlantic; below USDA's 145°F |
Doneness targets come from the culinary sources listed below. USDA's food-safety minimum is 145°F (63°C); anything below it is a personal risk choice.
Safe temperature for salmon
USDA/FDA: cook salmon to 145°F (63°C), or until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily. Many cooks prefer it moister: America's Test Kitchen pulls farmed salmon at 125°F and wild at 120°F.
Where to put the thermometer
Insert into the thickest part of the fillet, from the side.
Questions people ask
Is salmon safe at 125°F?
125°F is below USDA's 145°F recommendation; it's a culinary preference with more risk, especially for vulnerable people.
How can you tell salmon is done without a thermometer?
FoodSafety.gov says fish is done when it's no longer translucent and flakes easily with a fork.
What temp is salmon done?
USDA/FDA: cook salmon to 145°F (63°C), or until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily. Many cooks prefer it moister: America's Test Kitchen pulls farmed salmon at 125°F and wild at 120°F.
What temp to bake salmon?
USDA/FDA: cook salmon to 145°F (63°C), or until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily. Many cooks prefer it moister: America's Test Kitchen pulls farmed salmon at 125°F and wild at 120°F.
What temp to cook salmon on in the oven?
USDA/FDA: cook salmon to 145°F (63°C), or until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily. Many cooks prefer it moister: America's Test Kitchen pulls farmed salmon at 125°F and wild at 120°F.
What temperature to cook salmon in oven?
USDA/FDA: cook salmon to 145°F (63°C), or until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily. Many cooks prefer it moister: America's Test Kitchen pulls farmed salmon at 125°F and wild at 120°F.