What Does it Take to Be a Retail Loss Prevention Specialist?
Job Description & Duties Implement procedures and systems to prevent merchandise loss. Conduct audits and investigations of employee activity. May assist in developing policies, procedures, and systems for safeguarding assets.
Life As a Loss Prevention Specialist: What Do They Do?
- Testify in civil or criminal court proceedings.
- Prepare written reports on investigations.
- Investigate known or suspected internal theft, external theft, or vendor fraud.
- Recommend new or improved processes or equipment to reduce risk exposure.
- Inspect buildings, equipment, or access points to determine security risks.
- Coordinate with risk management, human resources, or other departments to assist in company programs, investigations, or training.
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Things a Loss Prevention Specialist Should Know How to Do
Below is a list of the skills most Retail Loss Prevention Specialists say are important on the job.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Types of Retail Loss Prevention Specialist
- Loss Prevention Service Ambassador
- Protection Specialist
- Loss Prevention Specialist
- Asset Protection Greeter
- Loss Prevention Supervisor
Is There Job Demand for Retail Loss Prevention Specialists?
In the United States, there were 133,800 jobs for Retail Loss Prevention Specialist in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 8.4% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 11,300 new jobs for Retail Loss Prevention Specialist by 2026. There will be an estimated 35,200 positions for Loss Prevention Specialist per year.

The states with the most job growth for Loss Prevention Specialist are Texas, Nevada, and Washington. Watch out if you plan on working in New Jersey, Alaska, or Connecticut. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Loss Prevention Specialist Average Salary
The average yearly salary of a Loss Prevention Specialist ranges between $20,530 and $54,130.

Retail Loss Prevention Specialists who work in District of Columbia, Virginia, or Nevada, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Retail Loss Prevention Specialists in different U.S. states.
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $26,370 |
Alaska | $42,150 |
Arizona | $33,890 |
Arkansas | $31,120 |
California | $39,840 |
Colorado | $34,770 |
Connecticut | $40,040 |
Delaware | $26,810 |
District of Columbia | $54,200 |
Florida | $34,390 |
Georgia | $37,390 |
Hawaii | $34,170 |
Idaho | $33,470 |
Illinois | $28,800 |
Indiana | $27,090 |
Iowa | $43,460 |
Kansas | $27,000 |
Kentucky | $40,810 |
Louisiana | $38,600 |
Maine | $33,160 |
Maryland | $39,590 |
Massachusetts | $36,720 |
Michigan | $31,920 |
Minnesota | $36,730 |
Mississippi | $31,980 |
Missouri | $38,230 |
Montana | $32,950 |
Nevada | $44,560 |
New Hampshire | $36,140 |
New Jersey | $31,730 |
New Mexico | $47,310 |
New York | $31,410 |
North Carolina | $37,790 |
North Dakota | $43,740 |
Ohio | $31,510 |
Oklahoma | $44,330 |
Oregon | $41,900 |
Pennsylvania | $29,200 |
Rhode Island | $33,200 |
South Carolina | $32,040 |
Tennessee | $36,250 |
Texas | $27,070 |
Utah | $36,690 |
Virginia | $47,960 |
Washington | $42,450 |
West Virginia | $33,490 |
Wisconsin | $35,170 |
Wyoming | $37,350 |
What Tools do Retail Loss Prevention Specialists Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Retail Loss Prevention Specialists may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Database software
- Symantec
- McAfee
- Case management system software
Becoming a Loss Prevention Specialist
What education is needed to be a Retail Loss Prevention Specialist?

How many years of work experience do I need?

Who Employs Retail Loss Prevention Specialists?

Retail Loss Prevention Specialists work in the following industries:

References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
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