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Retail Loss Prevention Specialist

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What You Need to Know About Retail Loss Prevention Specialist

Loss Prevention Specialist Definition 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

  • Prepare written reports on investigations.
  • Perform covert surveillance of areas susceptible to loss, such loading docks, distribution centers, or warehouses.
  • Verify proper functioning of physical security systems, such as closed-circuit televisions, alarms, sensor tag systems, or locks.
  • Collaborate with law enforcement agencies to report or investigate crimes.
  • Identify and report safety concerns to maintain a safe shopping and working environment.
  • Identify and report merchandise or stock shortages.

Things a Loss Prevention Specialist Should Know How to Do

Retail Loss Prevention Specialists state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.

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.

  • Loss Prevention Associate (LPA)
  • Loss Prevention Manager
  • Loss Prevention Detective
  • Loss Prevention Guard
  • Retail Asset Protection Specialist

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. 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.

What is the Average Salary of a Loss Prevention Specialist

Retail Loss Prevention Specialists make between $20,530 and $54,130 a year.

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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

Tools & Technologies Used by Retail Loss Prevention Specialists

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

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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What work experience do I need to become a Loss Prevention Specialist?

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Where Retail Loss Prevention Specialists Work

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The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

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References:

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More about our data sources and methodologies.

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