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Retail Loss Prevention Specialist

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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.

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.

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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.

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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:

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

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Where Retail Loss Prevention Specialists Work

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

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References:

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More about our data sources and methodologies.

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