No. AI reduces manual workload, but analysts remain essential. The role changes rather than disappears.

Gartner projects that by 2028, AI will automate more than 50% of Tier 1 SOC analyst tasks. The framing is augmentation rather than replacement. Analysts shift from spending their time on repetitive alert triage to focusing on strategic threat hunting, policy decisions, and overseeing AI-driven operations.

The staffing model does change. Organizations that previously needed 5-7 analysts for 24/7 coverage may need fewer dedicated triage analysts, but the demand for experienced Tier 2/3 analysts who can oversee AI and handle complex incidents is increasing.