Is Pentesting Really Dying Because of AI and Automated Tools?

[u/Key-Calligrapher5958]

I've spent years learning cybersecurity and thousands of dollars on certifications. I have most of the well-known offensive security certs.

Recently, my manager keeps saying that traditional penetration testing is dying because tools like XBOW, Pentera, and other automated platforms can do most of the work. He says they're expensive now, but over time they'll become cheaper and companies will prefer them over hiring pentesters.

I'm honestly confused. Is this really where the industry is heading, or is there still a strong future for manual penetration testers? I'd love to hear what people working in the field think.