15-1299.04
Penetration Testers
Evaluate network system security by conducting simulated internal and external cyberattacks using adversary tools and techniques. Attempt to breach and exploit critical systems and gain access to sensitive information to assess system security.
AI will start nibbling at this role
Safer than 37% of occupations we track
Disruption Vector
Software & AI
AI software systems—language models, automation tools, and intelligent algorithms—are the primary vector of disruption for this role.
Penetration testers are seeing AI tools like Synack's AI-augmented platform and LLM-based exploit generation tools accelerate automated vulnerability discovery, reducing the time humans spend on routine reconnaissance and common CVE exploitation. However, creative attack chaining, social engineering components, and novel zero-day research require human adversarial thinking. The 2025-2027 outlook is positive for skilled pentesters; the threat surface grows faster than AI can fully automate, and AI itself creates new attack vectors requiring human expertise.
Salary & Job Outlook
AI Risk Timeline
Projection model: Based on current AI capability growth rates. High-risk occupations are projected to see compounding automation pressure, while human-centric roles show slower risk accumulation. These are statistical projections, not guarantees.
Skills Analysis — AI Vulnerability
Career Pivot Paths
If you're a Penetration Testers, consider pivoting toward these lower-risk roles:
Share Your Results
amicooked-five.vercel.app
Penetration Testers
"Safe-ish. AI is your coworker, not your replacement. Yet."
Tweet preview
I just checked if I'm cooked as a Penetration Testers 🤖 AI risk score: 4.0/10 — Moderate Risk "Safe-ish. AI is your coworker, not your replacement. Yet." Check yours 👇 https://amicooked-five.vercel.app/results/15-1299.04 #AmICooked #AI #FutureOfWork
Your score badge
AM I COOKED?
/ 10
amicooked-five.vercel.app
Screenshot this card to share on Instagram or TikTok 📸
You're safer than a Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining but riskier than a Geography Teachers, Postsecondary.
This analysis is for informational purposes only and is based on statistical models and academic research. It does not constitute career advice and is not a guarantee of future employment outcomes. AI impact varies significantly by employer, region, and individual circumstances. Learn about our methodology →