# 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.

- **SOC code:** 15-1299.04
- **Canonical URL:** https://singulariki.com/roles/role-15-1299-04
- **Also known as:** Application Security Assessor, Application Security Hacker, Application Security Tester, Certified Hacker, Certified Tester, Consulting Advisory Tester, Cyber Analyst, Cyber Assessment Tester
- **Frame:** "AI exposure" means task overlap (how codifiable the work is), not jobs lost or a forecast. Every figure below is traced to a named public dataset.

## What this work is

**Core tasks** (O*NET):
- Assess the physical security of servers, systems, or network devices to identify vulnerability to temperature, vandalism, or natural disasters.
- Collect stakeholder data to evaluate risk and to develop mitigation strategies.
- Conduct network and security system audits, using established criteria.
- Configure information systems to incorporate principles of least functionality and least access.
- Design security solutions to address known device vulnerabilities.
- Develop and execute tests that simulate the techniques of known cyber threat actors.
- Develop infiltration tests that exploit device vulnerabilities.
- Develop presentations on threat intelligence.
- Develop security penetration testing processes, such as wireless, data networks, and telecommunication security tests.
- Discuss security solutions with information technology teams or management.
- Document penetration test findings.
- Evaluate vulnerability assessments of local computing environments, networks, infrastructures, or enclave boundaries.

## Skills, tools, capabilities

**Skills in demand:**
- Unix _(Specialized Skill)_
- Linux _(Specialized Skill)_
- Shell Script _(Specialized Skill)_
- ServiceNow _(Specialized Skill)_
- Microsoft Excel _(Common Skill)_
- Kubernetes _(Specialized Skill)_
- Github _(Specialized Skill)_
- Apple IOS _(Specialized Skill)_
- Nmap _(Specialized Skill)_
- Metasploit _(Specialized Skill)_
- Kali Linux _(Specialized Skill)_
- Wireshark _(Specialized Skill)_

**Tools & technology:**
- Amazon Web Services AWS software _(hot technology, in demand)_
- Bash _(hot technology, in demand)_
- C _(hot technology, in demand)_
- C# _(hot technology, in demand)_
- C++ _(hot technology, in demand)_
- JavaScript _(hot technology, in demand)_
- Linux _(hot technology, in demand)_
- Microsoft Active Directory _(hot technology, in demand)_
- Microsoft Azure software _(hot technology, in demand)_
- Microsoft PowerShell _(hot technology, in demand)_
- Oracle Java _(hot technology, in demand)_
- Python _(hot technology, in demand)_

## AI exposure & outlook

- **AI task-overlap index:** 93rd percentile (High) across all occupations — composite of current-era exposure studies (ai-exposure-index-v1).
- **LLM task exposure, γ (OpenAI / Eloundou):** 87th percentile (High) — source: eloundou_gamma.
- **AI assistant applicability (Microsoft):** 88th percentile (High) — source: microsoft_applicability.
- **Projected employment (BLS 2024–34):** 8.2% growth (Growing fast); 31.3k annual openings; 472k → 510.5k jobs.
- **Pay & employment (BLS OEWS, May 2024):** median $108,970; 439,380 employed.

## Sources

- **O*NET** (30.3) — U.S. Department of Labor / National Center for O*NET Development. https://www.onetcenter.org/database.html
- **BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)** (May 2024) — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- **BLS Employment Projections** (2024–2034) — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- **Microsoft “Working with AI”** (working-with-ai) — Microsoft Research. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/research/
- **“GPTs are GPTs” (Eloundou et al.)** (arXiv 2303.10130) — OpenAI / academic. https://arxiv.org/abs/2303.10130

---
_Generated from Singulariki's joined dataset; data snapshot 2026-06-02T21:00:32.945303+00:00. https://singulariki.com/roles/role-15-1299-04_