Loss Prevention Managers

SOC code 11-9199 · O*NET-SOC 11-9199.08 · Considerable preparation needed

Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth and numerous job openings for this occupation

Loss prevention managers protect retailers and other businesses from theft and fraud — designing procedures, running investigations and managing security staff. Many enter from store management or law enforcement, and the role sits at the management end of the protective-service pay range.

Loss Prevention Managers pay

U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number

Median pay

$141,900

a year

Hourly

$68.22

per hour

10th$74,300Median$141,90090th$238,270

The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.

Average pay

$153,890

$73.99 per hour

Middle 50%

$102,880 – $186,300

25th to 75th percentile

Full spread

$74,300 – $238,270

10th to 90th percentile

People employed

622,190

nationwide

National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.

These pay and employment figures are for the broader BLS group “Managers, All Other”, not this job alone.

10th percentile: $74,300; $35.72/hr
25th percentile: $102,880; $49.46/hr
Median percentile: $141,900; $68.22/hr
75th percentile: $186,300; $89.57/hr
90th percentile: $238,270; $114.55/hr

What does a loss prevention manager do?

Plan and direct policies, procedures, or systems to prevent the loss of assets. Determine risk exposure or potential liability, and develop risk control measures.

The tasks that matter most day to day

Coordinate or conduct internal investigations of problems such as employee theft and violations of corporate loss prevention policies.
Administer systems and programs to reduce loss, maintain inventory control, or increase safety.
Review loss prevention exception reports and cash discrepancies to ensure adherence to guidelines.
Train loss prevention staff, retail managers, or store employees on loss control and prevention measures.
Investigate or interview individuals suspected of shoplifting or internal theft.
Provide recommendations and solutions in crisis situations such as workplace violence, protests, and demonstrations.
Identify potential for loss and develop strategies to eliminate it.
Hire or supervise loss prevention staff.

How to become a loss prevention manager

Most people in this role hold bachelor's degree — 55% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.

Preparation level: zone 4 — Considerable preparation needed

Education: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Experience: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Training: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

See all zone 4 occupations →

Education reported by people doing this job

Bachelor's Degree55%
High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)14%
Post-Secondary Certificate9%
Some College Courses9%

Common questions

How much does a loss prevention manager earn?

The national median is $141,900 a year. The full range runs from $74,300 at the 10th percentile to $238,270 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.

Can you become a loss prevention manager without a degree?

Not usually — this occupation sits in preparation zone 4, where the typical entry route is most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not. The education breakdown above shows what people in the role actually reported.

Skills and knowledge you need

Core skills

Reading Comprehension4.0/5
Active Listening4.0/5
Speaking4.0/5
Critical Thinking3.9/5
Monitoring3.9/5
Writing3.8/5

Knowledge areas

Public Safety and Security4.1/5
Law and Government3.9/5
Administration and Management3.8/5
English Language3.8/5
Education and Training3.7/5
Customer and Personal Service3.5/5
Psychology3.5/5
Computers and Electronics3.5/5

Transferable strengths: Instructing, Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making, Time Management.