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The differences between background investigators and loss prevention analysts can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a background investigator has an average salary of $51,076, which is higher than the $38,684 average annual salary of a loss prevention analyst.
The top three skills for a background investigator include excellent time management, work ethic and face-to-face interviews. The most important skills for a loss prevention analyst are loss prevention, customer service, and camera surveillance.
| Background Investigator | Loss Prevention Analyst | |
| Yearly salary | $51,076 | $38,684 |
| Hourly rate | $24.56 | $18.60 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 4,428 | 62,658 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 39% |
| Average age | 44 | 33 |
| Years of experience | 6 | - |
The primary job of background investigators is to conduct background checks into an individual's personal and professional history that can validate or disprove their identity and character. They perform background investigations as part of hiring new employees, making an investment, and choosing a public official. Background investigators are responsible for obtaining and reviewing witness statements and arrest reports and meeting with candidates or the management to keep them updated on the investigation's progress and status. They are also responsible for completing background packages for final review and recommendation.
A loss prevention analyst designs and develops loss prevention programs, typically for retail establishments. They are in charge of providing analytical services primarily to avoid or resolve cases of theft and fraud. Among their responsibilities include gathering and analyzing financial and inventory data, inspecting alarm systems and protocols, performing research and analysis to identify the best practices, determining the strengths and weaknesses of current loss prevention techniques, and implementing solutions against vulnerable areas. Furthermore, a loss prevention analyst must maintain an active communication line with managers and loss prevention officers for a smooth and efficient workflow.
Background investigators and loss prevention analysts have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Background Investigator | Loss Prevention Analyst | |
| Average salary | $51,076 | $38,684 |
| Salary range | Between $28,000 And $90,000 | Between $21,000 And $68,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Urban Honolulu, HI |
| Highest paying state | - | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | - | Barclays |
| Best paying industry | - | Finance |
There are a few differences between a background investigator and a loss prevention analyst in terms of educational background:
| Background Investigator | Loss Prevention Analyst | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 64% | Bachelor's Degree, 39% |
| Most common major | Criminal Justice | Criminal Justice |
| Most common college | California State University - Bakersfield | California State University - Bakersfield |
Here are the differences between background investigators' and loss prevention analysts' demographics:
| Background Investigator | Loss Prevention Analyst | |
| Average age | 44 | 33 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 49.6% Female, 50.4% | Male, 67.7% Female, 32.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 15.2% Unknown, 5.8% Hispanic or Latino, 18.8% Asian, 4.6% White, 55.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | Black or African American, 8.3% Unknown, 7.3% Hispanic or Latino, 14.3% Asian, 4.2% White, 65.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 7% |