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Retail Loss Prevention Investigator I Salary in the United States

How much does a Retail Loss Prevention Investigator I make in the United States?

As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Retail Loss Prevention Investigator I in the United States is $35,810 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.

However, a Retail Loss Prevention Investigator I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $40,682
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $34,470 to $38,360
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $33,250
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View as table View as graph 25% $34,470 10% $33,250 90% $40,682 75% $38,360 $35,810 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Retail Loss Prevention Investigator I Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary		 Monthly
Pay		 Weekly
Pay		 Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $38,360 $3,197 $738 $18
Average $35,810 $2,984 $689 $17
25th Percentile $34,470 $2,873 $663 $17
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Key Factors That Influence Retail Loss Prevention Investigator I Salaries

A Retail Loss Prevention Investigator I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Retail Loss Prevention Investigator I Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Retail Loss Prevention Investigator I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $35,710
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $35,886
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $36,457
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $36,571
  • Expert (over 8 years): $36,647
Levels Salary
Entry Level Retail Loss Prevention Investigator I$35,710
Intermediate Level Retail Loss Prevention Investigator I$35,886
Senior Level Retail Loss Prevention Investigator I$36,457
Specialist Level Retail Loss Prevention Investigator I$36,571
Expert Level Retail Loss Prevention Investigator I$36,647
$35,710 0 yr
$35,886 < 2 yrs
$36,457 2-4 yrs
$36,571 5-8 yrs
$36,647 > 8 yrs
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What Am I Worth?

How Do Retail Loss Prevention Investigator I Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Retail Loss Prevention Investigator Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $39,650.
  • California: $39,500.
  • Massachusetts: $38,970.

Top Paying Cities for Retail Loss Prevention Investigator Is

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $45,170
  • San Francisco: $44,720
  • Oakland: $43,730

What Skills Can Increase a Retail Loss Prevention Investigator I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Leadership (Mentioned in 6.17% Job Postings): Knowledge of and ability to employ effective strategies that motivate and guide other members within our business to achieve optimum results.
  • Auditing (Mentioned in 3.53% Job Postings): Auditing refers to the independent examination of financial information of any entity whether profit oriented or not. It is a safeguard measure that prevents corruption.
  • Inventory Control (Mentioned in 0.79% Job Postings): Inventory control or stock control can be broadly defined as "the activity of checking a shop’s stock." However, a more focused definition takes into account the more science-based, methodical practice of not only verifying a business' inventory but also focusing on the many related facets of inventory management (such as forecasting future demand) "within an organisation to meet the demand placed upon that business economically." Other facets of inventory control include supply chain management, production control, financial flexibility, and customer satisfaction. At the root of inventory control, however, is the inventory control problem, which involves determining when to order, how much to order, and the logistics (where) of those decisions. An extension of inventory control is the inventory control system. This may come in the form of a technological system and its programmed software used for managing various aspects of inventory problems , or it may refer to a methodology (which may include the use of technological barriers) for handling loss prevention in a business.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Leadership 6.17%
Auditing 3.53%
Inventory Control 0.79%
What skills can make your compensation higher?
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Retail Loss Prevention Investigator I's salary.
  • Influencing: Can increase your salary by up to 65%.
  • Crisis Management: Can increase your salary by up to 24%.
  • Auditing: Can increase your salary by up to 19%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Influencing
 $59,087
65%
Crisis Management
 $44,404
24%
Auditing
 $42,614
19%
Teamwork
 $41,540
16%
Results Oriented
 $41,540
16%
Microsoft Office
 $40,823
14%
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How Education impacts a Retail Loss Prevention Investigator I's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Retail Loss Prevention Investigator Is enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Retail Loss Prevention Investigator I with a Bachelor's Degree is between $34,653 and $37,170).

Retail Loss Prevention Investigator I Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Retail Loss Prevention Investigator I
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 0.4%
High School 33.9%
Associates 21.9%
Bachelors 39.3%
Masters 4.5%
Doctorate 0.0%
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Retail Loss Prevention Investigator I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Retail Loss Prevention Investigator I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Hourly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Yearly
  • Table View
Last Updated on January 01, 2026
$34,470
Average $35,810/year
$38,360
$2,873
Average $2,984/month
$3,197
$663
Average $689/week
$738
$17
Average $17/hour
$18
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $38,360 $3,197 $738 $18
Average $35,810 $2,984 $689 $17
25th Percentile $34,470 $2,873 $663 $17

Retail Loss Prevention Investigator I Salary Growth & Career Path

Retail Loss Prevention Investigator I
Retail Loss Prevention Agent II
Manager of Loss Prevention Programs and Operations

For a Retail Loss Prevention Investigator I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Retail Loss Prevention Agent II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $44,800 - a projected growth of 25% over your current level.

Salaries of jobs related to Retail Loss Prevention Investigator I

Salary Trends for Retail Loss Prevention Investigator I

Salaries for a Retail Loss Prevention Investigator I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $36,978 in 2023 to around $36,885 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Retail Loss Prevention Investigator I salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Retail Loss Prevention Investigator I Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$36,978
2024
$37,033
2025
$36,885
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $36,978
2024 $37,033
2025 $36,885
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Retail Loss Prevention Investigator I

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Retail Loss Prevention Investigator I

Here are companies hiring for Retail Loss Prevention Investigator I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Retail Loss Prevention Investigator I

1. How much does loss prevention make at Dollar General?

A Loss Prevention Investigator at Dollar General can expect a salary ranging from $32,800 to $43,040 annually, with a midpoint of approximately $37,050. This reflects the competitive pay in the industry, aligning with the responsibilities of safeguarding assets and minimizing losses.

2. What is the starting salary for a beginner asset loss and prevention in Miami for Home Depot?

The starting salary for a beginner Retail Loss Prevention Investigator at Home Depot in Miami typically ranges from $32,800 to $37,050 annually. The average salary is around $34,794, while experienced professionals can earn up to $43,040.

3. How much does Macy's Loss Prevention make?

As of January 7, 2025, the salary for a Retail Loss Prevention Investigator at Macy's ranges from $32,800 to $43,040 annually, with a midpoint of $37,050. This translates to an average hourly pay of approximately $15.77 to $20.69, depending on experience and specific role within the company.

4. How much does loss prevention make at Lowes?

Loss Prevention Investigators at Lowe's typically earn between $32,800 and $43,040 annually, with a median salary of around $37,050. While some cities may offer higher salaries, this range reflects the general compensation for this role within the company.

5. Does Home Depot have a loss prevention team?

Yes, Home Depot has a loss prevention team, known as Asset Protection Specialists. They focus on preventing financial loss from theft and fraud while ensuring safety and environmental compliance in their assigned stores. The salary for this role typically ranges from $32,800 to $43,040, with a midpoint of $37,050.

6. How much does Home Depot pay for loss prevention?

Home Depot's salary for a Retail Loss Prevention Investigator typically ranges from $32,800 to $43,040 annually, with a midpoint of $37,050. This reflects a competitive pay structure within the industry, ensuring that employees are compensated fairly for their roles in loss prevention.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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