Cups & Temps

Pork shoulder / pulled pork / pork butt internal temperature

USDA: pork shoulder is safe at 145°F (63°C) with a 3-minute rest. For texture, slice at about 175-180°F, and for pulled pork aim near 203°F (ThermoWorks, National Pork Board).

USDA safe minimum
145°F63°C internal temperature
Rest time
3 minBefore carving or eating
Doneness range
175–203°FSliceable to pullable
Safe & popular
175°FSliceable
  • 175°FSliceable79°C
  • 180°FBest for slicing/serving82°C
  • 203°FPullable95°C

Safe minimums from USDA FSIS and FoodSafety.gov. Checked .

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145°FUSDA safe minimum + 3 min rest

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Pork shoulder / pulled pork / pork butt temperature chart

Doneness°F°CNotes
Sliceable175°F79°CThermoWorks: tender enough to slice (Kansas City-style)
Best for slicing/serving180°F82°CNational Pork Board: safe at 145°F, best at 180°F
Pullable203°F95°CThermoWorks: about 203°F for shredding

Doneness targets come from the culinary sources listed below. USDA's food-safety minimum is 145°F (63°C) with a 3-minute rest; anything below it is a personal risk choice.

Safe temperature for pulled pork

USDA: pork shoulder is safe at 145°F (63°C) with a 3-minute rest. For texture, slice at about 175-180°F, and for pulled pork aim near 203°F (ThermoWorks, National Pork Board).

When to take it off the heat

ThermoWorks recommends resting pulled pork about an hour (in a cooler or warm oven) so collagen keeps breaking down.

Where to put the thermometer

Probe the center of the meat and confirm with an instant-read thermometer in several spots (ThermoWorks).

Questions people ask

What temp is pulled pork done?

ThermoWorks targets about 203°F so the meat shreds easily, then rests for about an hour.

Is pork butt safe at 145°F?

Yes, it's safe per USDA, but still tough; higher temps break down the connective tissue.

What temp to pull pork butt?

USDA: pork shoulder is safe at 145°F (63°C) with a 3-minute rest. For texture, slice at about 175-180°F, and for pulled pork aim near 203°F (ThermoWorks, National Pork Board).

What temperature to cook pulled pork?

USDA: pork shoulder is safe at 145°F (63°C) with a 3-minute rest. For texture, slice at about 175-180°F, and for pulled pork aim near 203°F (ThermoWorks, National Pork Board).

Sources