What is a Retail Loss Prevention Specialist?
Example of Loss Prevention Specialist Job 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
- Prepare written reports on investigations.
- Train establishment personnel in loss prevention activities.
- Recommend methods to reduce potential financial fraud losses.
- Direct work of contract security officers or other loss prevention agents.
- Apprehend shoplifters in accordance with guidelines.
- Testify in civil or criminal court proceedings.
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What Every Loss Prevention Specialist Should Know
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.
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.
Related Job Titles
- Loss Prevention Leader
- Loss Prevention Agent
- Loss Prevention Representative
- Loss Prevention Manager
- Store Protection Specialist
Job Opportunities for Retail Loss Prevention Specialists
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 133,800 jobs in the United States for Retail Loss Prevention Specialist. 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.
Salary for a Loss Prevention Specialist
Retail Loss Prevention Specialists make between $20,530 and $54,130 a year.

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 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 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Retail Loss Prevention Specialists
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 do I Become a Loss Prevention Specialist?
What education is needed to be a Retail Loss Prevention Specialist?

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

Where do Retail Loss Prevention Specialists Work?

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

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