The safe done temperature for salmon is 145°F / 63°C (USDA guideline), but many cooks pull it earlier for a juicier texture.

Quick Scoop

  • USDA “official” answer:
    • Salmon is considered safely done at an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) measured in the thickest part.
* At this point it’s fully opaque, firm, and flakes easily with a fork.
  • Chef-style doneness ranges (texture-focused):
    • Rare (not recommended for safety): about 110–115°F (43–46°C) , very soft and translucent.
* Medium-rare: about **120–125°F (49–52°C)** , moist, slightly translucent center, very tender.

* Medium: about **125–135°F (52–57°C)** , mostly opaque, still juicy and flaky.

* “USDA safe” / fully cooked: **145°F+ (63°C+)** , fully opaque and firm.

* Well-done: **150°F+ (66°C+)** , very firm, can be dry.

How to Hit the Right Temp

  1. Use an instant-read thermometer.
    Insert it into the thickest part of the fillet, avoiding the pan or bones.
  1. Pull a bit early for carryover cooking.
    • If you want to end up near 145°F, you can usually take it off heat around 140°F ; it will rise a few degrees while resting.
 * If you prefer restaurant-style medium, remove it around **125–130°F** and rest briefly.
  1. Check the visual cues too.
    • Flesh turns from shiny/translucent to opaque.
    • It flakes when pressed gently with a fork but still looks moist.

Safety vs. Preference

  • For higher-risk folks (pregnant, elderly, immune-compromised, young kids), stick closer to the 145°F guideline to minimize foodborne illness risk.
  • For others, many home cooks and chefs choose the 120–135°F range because the texture is more tender and less dry, accepting the small added risk of not hitting the USDA number.

In one line:
If you want to be strictly safe, cook salmon to 145°F / 63°C ; if you want that restaurant-style, silky texture, many people stop around 125–130°F and understand it’s below the official guideline.

TL;DR:

  • What temp is salmon done at? Officially: 145°F / 63°C inside.
  • What temp tastes best to many people? Often 120–135°F / 49–57°C , depending on how moist you like it.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.