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.
Retail Loss Prevention Specialists
SOC: 33-9099 O*NET: 33-9099.02
Median Salary
$41,600
per year
Job Growth
➡️ 2.5%
Average (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
23.3
projected jobs/year
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Job Zone 2
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.
What does a Retail Loss Prevention Specialists do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$30,620
10th percentile
Early Career
$35,540
25th percentile
Median
$41,600
50th percentile
Experienced
$54,310
75th percentile
Top Earners
$72,670
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$30,620
25th
$35,540
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$41,600
Mean: $48,210
75th
$54,310
90th
$72,670
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $42,050 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $35,540 and $54,310
- •Salary spread is 45.1% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 83,110 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:84,000
Top Industries
Employment Services5.2%
Temporary Help Services5%
Retail Trade4%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+2.5%
Annual Openings:23,300
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)84,000
Current
2034 (Projected)86,100
+2.5%
+2,100
Employment Change
+2.5%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Retail Loss Prevention Specialists professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
California
23,390 jobs$39,6902.40x
Texas
5,970 jobs$32,9100.80x
Colorado
5,020 jobs$42,5103.22x
Pennsylvania
4,670 jobs$35,2601.44x
Washington
4,560 jobs$42,3102.39x
Florida
3,790 jobs$45,7000.72x
New Jersey
3,410 jobs$47,3701.49x
Ohio
2,840 jobs$41,7300.95x
Oregon
2,480 jobs$44,5902.34x
Louisiana
2,020 jobs$40,8101.96x
New York
1,660 jobs$59,8300.32x
Arizona
1,430 jobs$49,5900.83x
Maryland
1,270 jobs$55,8700.86x
Nevada
1,120 jobs$55,4401.36x
Georgia
1,030 jobs$44,5400.39x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Critical Thinking
100%
#2
Speaking
94%
#3
Monitoring
86%
#4
Active Listening
80%
#5
Social Perceptiveness
74%
#6
Judgment and Decision Making
66%
#7
Active Learning
60%
#8
Reading Comprehension
54%
#9
Writing
46%
#10
Coordination
40%
Skills Overview
Critical Thinking
advanced5.0
100%
Speaking
advanced4.7
94%
Monitoring
intermediate4.3
86%
Active Listening
intermediate4.0
80%
Social Perceptiveness
intermediate3.7
74%
Judgment and Decision Making
intermediate3.3
66%
Active Learning
intermediate3.0
60%
Reading Comprehension
basic2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Critical Thinking
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Speaking
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Monitoring
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Active Listening
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Social Perceptiveness
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
intermediateImportance66%
abilities
3.3/5.0
Active Learning
intermediateImportance60%
abilities
3.0/5.0
Reading Comprehension
basicImportance54%
abilities
2.7/5.0
Writing
basicImportance46%
skills
2.3/5.0
Coordination
basicImportance40%
skills
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Psychiatrists100%
5 shared skills
Registered Nurses82%
5 shared skills
Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers82%
5 shared skills
Urologists82%
5 shared skills
Audiologists82%
5 shared skills
Brokerage Clerks82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Monitoring
- ✓Active Listening
Learn on the Job:
- →Judgment and Decision Making
- →Active Learning
- →Reading Comprehension
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Monitoring
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Critical Thinking
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Speaking
- ★Active Listening
- ★Critical Thinking
- ★Social Perceptiveness
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Retail Loss Prevention Specialists
Technology Intensity
Low
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires basic digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Email and internet usageBasic software navigationFile management
Technology Stack
Technology stack information is being compiled for this career.
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏗️
Location
Varies
💪
Physical Demand
LOW
👥
Team Orientation
Varies
🤝
Customer Interaction
NONE
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in varies environments?
- •Can you meet low physical demands?
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Retail Loss Prevention Specialists
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Retail Loss Prevention Specialists professionals typically have a CER Holland code and highly value independence
CConventional
EEnterprising
RRealistic
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Retail Loss Prevention Specialists
Integrity
CriticalIntegrity
Importance Level4.91
Self-Control
CriticalSelf-Control
Importance Level4.76
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.58
Stress Tolerance
Very ImportantStress Tolerance
Importance Level4.44
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.40
Cooperation
Very ImportantCooperation
Importance Level4.39
Complete Work Styles Profile
Integrity
4.9
Self-Control
4.8
Attention to Detail
4.6
Stress Tolerance
4.4
Dependability
4.4
Cooperation
4.4
Initiative
4.4
Persistence
4.3
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.3
Leadership
4.3
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
High school diploma or equivalent
Typical duration: High school diploma or GED
Preparation Level
Job Zone 2
Some Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:High school diploma or equivalent
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Training:
Training of a few months to a year
💼 Experience Requirement
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience
- • Vocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)
- • Industry certifications helpful
2
Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work.
Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experienceVocational school programs (6 months to 2 years)Industry certifications helpful
Ready to Start Your Journey?
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