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Loss prevention specialist vs loss prevention associate

The differences between loss prevention specialists and loss prevention associates can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a loss prevention specialist has an average salary of $47,451, which is higher than the $38,861 average annual salary of a loss prevention associate.

The top three skills for a loss prevention specialist include customer service, safety program and store management. The most important skills for a loss prevention associate are customer service, patrol, and safety standards.

Loss prevention specialist vs loss prevention associate overview

Loss Prevention SpecialistLoss Prevention Associate
Yearly salary$47,451$38,861
Hourly rate$22.81$18.68
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs59,09482,313
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 46%Bachelor's Degree, 36%
Average age4933
Years of experience4-

What does a loss prevention specialist do?

A loss prevention specialist is responsible for maintaining the safety and security of the store premises from shoplifters and even from employees' suspicious activities. Loss prevention specialists manage the installation of surveillance devices, monitor the daily store operations, and track business and financial transactions from the database. They also coordinate with law enforcement personnel for investigation on theft cases and other related retail complications. A loss prevention specialist must have excellent communication and critical-thinking skills, especially on preparing incident reports and apprehending violators.

What does a loss prevention associate do?

A loss prevention associate is responsible for monitoring the organization's daily operations, maintaining the safety and security of all network systems to avoid data theft. Loss prevention associates take immediate actions on all related suspicious activities that would compromise the company's reputation and financial status. They regularly check surveillance technologies to maintain asset protection and operational stability at all times. A loss prevention associate should have excellent communication skills, both written and oral, especially on writing incident reports and escalating unusual activities to the management for immediate resolution.

Loss prevention specialist vs loss prevention associate salary

Loss prevention specialists and loss prevention associates have different pay scales, as shown below.

Loss Prevention SpecialistLoss Prevention Associate
Average salary$47,451$38,861
Salary rangeBetween $25,000 And $87,000Between $21,000 And $69,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CASalisbury, MD
Highest paying stateHawaiiVirginia
Best paying companyBooz Allen HamiltonAIG
Best paying industryAutomotiveUtilities

Differences between loss prevention specialist and loss prevention associate education

There are a few differences between a loss prevention specialist and a loss prevention associate in terms of educational background:

Loss Prevention SpecialistLoss Prevention Associate
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 46%Bachelor's Degree, 36%
Most common majorCriminal JusticeCriminal Justice
Most common collegeCalifornia State University - BakersfieldCalifornia State University - Bakersfield

Loss prevention specialist vs loss prevention associate demographics

Here are the differences between loss prevention specialists' and loss prevention associates' demographics:

Loss Prevention SpecialistLoss Prevention Associate
Average age4933
Gender ratioMale, 72.0% Female, 28.0%Male, 68.7% Female, 31.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 5.9% Unknown, 7.3% Hispanic or Latino, 11.9% Asian, 1.2% White, 71.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.8%Black or African American, 8.5% Unknown, 7.2% Hispanic or Latino, 14.7% Asian, 4.2% White, 65.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage18%7%

Differences between loss prevention specialist and loss prevention associate duties and responsibilities

Loss prevention specialist example responsibilities.

  • Manage foreclosure and bankruptcy from inception to completion and mitigate all potential losses within an acceptable range.
  • Maintain all aspects of store security, including motion cameras and EAS security systems.
  • Maintain a working knowledge of the store's alarm system and EAS system.
  • Conduct internal investigations base on POS exceptions reports, known shortages or confidential tips/leads.
  • Review surveillance footage, POS data, and video of clients operations for theft and operational deficiencies.
  • Patrol areas need by management to watch out and see if there is any attempting to steal within the store.
  • Show more

Loss prevention associate example responsibilities.

  • Manage foreclosure and bankruptcy from inception to completion and mitigate all potential losses within an acceptable range.
  • Greet customers, operate CCTV security monitors and prevent shrinkage of merchandise.
  • Job duties include the personal detainment and apprehension of retail shoplifters utilizing plain view self-observation and/or CCTV cameras.
  • Analyze bankruptcy and foreclosure files in order to devise a strategy to minimize loss and maximize financial recovery.
  • Protect company's assets by utilizing state-of-the-art detection and investigation surveillance system, which identify shoplifters and prevent loss of merchandise.

Loss prevention specialist vs loss prevention associate skills

Common loss prevention specialist skills
  • Customer Service, 48%
  • Safety Program, 15%
  • Store Management, 12%
  • CCTV, 3%
  • Criminal Justice, 3%
  • Emergency Situations, 2%
Common loss prevention associate skills
  • Customer Service, 16%
  • Patrol, 13%
  • Safety Standards, 10%
  • Loss Prevention, 10%
  • Safety Inspections, 8%
  • Cash Handling, 7%

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