Automation index
How much of a Penetration tester’s job can AI already do?
A scan and a template report come earlier. Finding the weird chain, and not taking production down, do not.
This percentage does not predict how many people will lose their jobs.
Task comparison
IS WORK OVER?
Penetration tester
26%
AI can already do 26% of this job.
#207 / 623
View rankingPenetration tester
Where the time goes
Task weights are our estimates based on O*NET frequency data, not time shares published by O*NET.
The time saving for each task is estimated separately.
| Task | Share | AI | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
Recon, scans and enumeration.EstimateNo public source provides a precise figure. This is our estimate. | 20% | 42% | +8.4 |
Write the report, evidence and CVSS.EstimateNo public source provides a precise figure. This is our estimate. | 18% | 38% | +6.8 |
Exploit with judgment and not break the business.EstimateNo public source provides a precise figure. This is our estimate. | 18% | 18% | +3.2 |
Debrief with the client and retest.EstimateNo public source provides a precise figure. This is our estimate. | 16% | 15% | +2.4 |
Choose scope, rules and what is off limits.EstimateNo public source provides a precise figure. This is our estimate. | 14% | 16% | +2.2 |
Research 0-days, labs and keep the craft.EstimateNo public source provides a precise figure. This is our estimate. | 14% | 18% | +2.5 |
| Total | 100% | 25% |
Modelled workweek: 100% · Public evidence: 0% · Estimate: 100% · Confidence: Low
Skills and activities
- Recon, scans and enumeration
- Write the report, evidence and CVSS
- Debrief with the client and retest
- Choose scope, rules and what is off limits
- Research 0-days, labs and keep the craft
- pentester
- ethical hacker
- pentest
Sources for this job· O*NET 15-1212.00· ESCO/ISCO 2529
IS WORK OVER?
Junior developer
31%↓
#38 / 623
View rankingJunior developer
Where the time goes
Task weights are our estimates based on O*NET frequency data, not time shares published by O*NET.
The time saving for each task is estimated separately.
| Task | Share | AI | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
Write, analyze, review, and rewrite programs, using workflow chart and diagram, and applying knowledge of computer capabilities, subject matter, and symbolic logic.EstimateNo public source provides a precise figure. This is our estimate. | 13% | 48% | +6.2 |
Write, update, and maintain computer programs or software packages to handle specific jobs such as tracking inventory, storing or retrieving data, or controlling other equipment.EstimateNo public source provides a precise figure. This is our estimate. | 11% | 28% | +3.1 |
Correct errors by making appropriate changes and rechecking the program to ensure that the desired results are produced.EstimateNo public source provides a precise figure. This is our estimate. | 11% | 28% | +3.1 |
Perform or direct revision, repair, or expansion of existing programs to increase operating efficiency or adapt to new requirements.EstimateNo public source provides a precise figure. This is our estimate. | 9% | 12% | +1.1 |
Conduct trial runs of programs and software applications to be sure they will produce the desired information and that the instructions are correct.EstimateNo public source provides a precise figure. This is our estimate. | 8% | 28% | +2.2 |
Consult with managerial, engineering, and technical personnel to clarify program intent, identify problems, and suggest changes.EstimateNo public source provides a precise figure. This is our estimate. | 6% | 28% | +1.7 |
Develop Web sites.EstimateNo public source provides a precise figure. This is our estimate. | 6% | 28% | +1.7 |
Compile and write documentation of program development and subsequent revisions, inserting comments in the coded instructions so others can understand the program.EstimateNo public source provides a precise figure. This is our estimate. | 6% | 55% | +3.3 |
Other less frequent tasks (weight estimated from frequency).EstimateNo public source provides a precise figure. This is our estimate. | 30% | 28% | +8.4 |
| Total | 100% | 31% |
Modelled workweek: 100% · Public evidence: 0% · Estimate: 100% · Confidence: Low
Skills and activities
- write code
- programming
- software development
- coding
- debug code
- computer programming
- decentralized application frameworks
- blockchain openness
- software components libraries
- ICT debugging tools
Sources for this job· O*NET 15-1251.00· ESCO/ISCO 2512