How To Become A Loss Prevention Agent: What It Is and Career Path

What is a loss prevention agent and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Loss prevention agents have the most interesting jobs in malls and retail stores where they typically work. They get to blend into the background, act as inconspicuous as possible, and monitor people while walking around the store. Their primary duty is to prevent theft, whether by delivery agents, shoplifters, or shop attendants. They do this by monitoring surveillance cameras, walking around stores observing shoppers, and working with the police in apprehending shoplifters. A loss prevention agent might also assist the client in evaluating security and creating theft prevention strategies and policies. Loss prevention agents also work in hotels, casinos, and manufacturing companies

. Becoming a loss prevention agent requires you to understand the working of surveillance cameras, monitor alarm systems, and possess great observational skills. It is also a job that might require you to be on your feet for most of the day. You do not need more than a high school diploma to get a job. The average salary is $27,000.

ScoreLoss Prevention AgentUS Average

Salary

2.8

Avg. Salary $36,455

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

9.5

Growth rate 6%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

3.8

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.40%

Asian 4.22%

Black or African American 8.44%

Hispanic or Latino 14.58%

Unknown 7.36%

White 65.00%

Gender

female 27.24%

male 72.76%

Age - 27

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 27

Stress level

9.5

Stress level is very high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

5.1

Complexity level is intermediate

7 - challenging

Work life balance

8.5

Work life balance is excellent

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become a loss prevention agent

Explore loss prevention agent education requirements

Most common loss prevention agent degrees

Bachelor's

38.9 %

Associate

26.1 %

High School Diploma

23.8 %

Start to develop specific loss prevention agent skills

Skills	Percentages
Loss Prevention	14.10%
Store Management	11.74%
Sales Floor	10.03%
CCTV	9.74%
Customer Service	9.14%

Complete relevant loss prevention agent training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 1-3 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New loss prevention agents learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as a loss prevention agent based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real loss prevention agent resumes.

Research loss prevention agent duties and responsibilities

Manage foreclosure and bankruptcy from inception to completion and mitigate all potential losses within an acceptable range.
Perform camera surveillance and patrol the assigned store and assign location while ensuring to maintain a safe and secure store environment.
Conduct surveillance and counter-surveillance to detect and apprehend shoplifters, and other criminal activity utilizing CCTV.
Patrol assign facility areas to enforce rules and regulations.

Prepare your loss prevention agent resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your loss prevention agent resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on a loss prevention agent resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable loss prevention agent resume templates

Build a professional loss prevention agent resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your loss prevention agent resume.