What Do Retail Loss Prevention Specialist Do?
Loss Prevention Specialist Example 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.
Loss Prevention Specialist Responsibilities
- Recommend new or improved processes or equipment to reduce risk exposure.
- Coordinate with risk management, human resources, or other departments to assist in company programs, investigations, or training.
- Prepare written reports on investigations.
- Perform covert surveillance of areas susceptible to loss, such loading docks, distribution centers, or warehouses.
- Investigate known or suspected internal theft, external theft, or vendor fraud.
- Inspect buildings, equipment, or access points to determine security risks.
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What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Loss Prevention Specialist?
These are the skills Retail Loss Prevention Specialists say are the most useful in their careers:
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.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Monitoring: Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Judgment and Decision Making: Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Types of Loss Prevention Specialist Jobs
- Loss Prevention Officer
- Asset Protection Agent
- Loss Prevention Detective
- Asset Protection Associate (APA)
- Loss Prevention Manager
Job Outlook for Retail Loss Prevention Specialists
There were about 133,800 jobs for Retail Loss Prevention Specialist in 2016 (in the United States). 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. The BLS estimates 35,200 yearly job openings in this field.

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 typical yearly salary for Retail Loss Prevention Specialists is somewhere between $20,530 and $54,130.

Retail Loss Prevention Specialists who work in District of Columbia, Virginia, or Nevada, make the highest salaries.
How much do Retail Loss Prevention Specialists make in each U.S. state?
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?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Retail Loss Prevention Specialists:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Outlook
- Database software
- Symantec
- McAfee
- Case management system software
How to Become a Loss Prevention Specialist
Individuals working as a Retail Loss Prevention Specialist have obtained the following education levels:

How Long Does it Take to Become a Loss Prevention Specialist?

Where Retail Loss Prevention Specialists Work

Below are examples of industries where Retail Loss Prevention Specialists work:

References:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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