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Career Profile

Retail Loss Prevention Specialists

What they do:

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.

Also Called:

Asset Protection Associate (APA), Loss Prevention Agent, Loss Prevention Associate (LPA), Loss Prevention Detective, Loss Prevention Investigator, Loss Prevention Officer, Loss Prevention Specialist, Retail Asset Protection Specialist, Asset Protection Associate (APA), Loss Prevention Agent, Loss Prevention Associate (LPA), Loss Prevention Detective, Loss Prevention Investigator, Loss Prevention Officer, Loss Prevention Specialist, Retail Asset Protection Specialist

TX Employment Data

*State data provided by O*NET & BLS
Compare State Data      Compare Metro Area Data   
$25,570
Starting Salary (2025)
$33,500
Median Salary (2025)
2.5%
Projected Job Growth
4,360
TX Employment (2025)

Typical Tasks

Identify and report safety concerns to maintain a safe shopping and working environment.
Maintain documentation or reports on security-related incidents or investigations.
Implement or monitor processes to reduce property or financial losses.
Verify proper functioning of physical security systems, such as closed-circuit televisions, alarms, sensor tag systems, or locks.
Investigate known or suspected internal theft, external theft, or vendor fraud.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work
Enterprising
Business based Work
Realistic
Practical, Physical Work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Integrity
Self-Control
Attention to Detail
Stress Tolerance
Dependability
Cooperation

What key skills are needed for this job?

Critical Thinking
Active Listening
Monitoring
Speaking
Judgment and Decision Making
Social Perceptiveness

Expected Knowledge

Public Safety and Security

Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Law and Government

Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.

Common Activities

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Processing Information

Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Education & Preparation

Some occupations may require additional education, advanced degrees, and years of experience in the field.
Talk to your support team on campus about this career pathway and additional degree information.
Job Zone 2

Some Preparation Needed

Education

These occupations usually require a high school diploma.

Experience

Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is usually needed.

Training

Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.

Typical Education Required

Education a new hire may need

  • High school diploma 69%
  • Associate's degree 11%
  • Bachelor's degree 11%
  • Less than high school 5%
  • Post-secondary certificate 4%
Source: O*NET Education, Training & Experience data

Related Careers

Loss Prevention Managers
Private Detectives and Investigators
Security Managers
Compliance Managers
Financial Risk Specialists

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*Data on career profiles are based on information supplied by the O*NET Program, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration.