How to become a Retail Loss Prevention Officer

Detects and investigates shoplifting, fraud and other unlawful acts of employees or customers of a retail establishment.

Main tasks

• Monitors and patrols retail premises to detect and prevent theft and other unlawful activities
• Observes and identifies suspicious behaviour or activities of employees or customers, and detains individuals suspected of theft or other unlawful acts
• Conducts investigations into incidents of theft, fraud or other unlawful activities, and collects and preserves evidence, including interviewing witnesses
• Collaborates with law enforcement agencies to report and provide evidence of criminal activities
• Implements security measures, such as CCTV surveillance and alarm systems
• May conduct audits and inspections to identify vulnerabilities, and recommend security improvements
• May provide training and education to retail staff on loss prevention strategies and procedures

Ways in

• TAFE and VET: Certificate III in Security Operations (CPP31318); Diploma of Fraud Control (PSP50716); Certificate III in Investigative Services (CPP30619); Certificate II in Security Operations (CPP20218)
• Licence or registration: Registration or licensing is required.

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

• Typical full-time pay: $94,536 a year
• About 65,300 people work in this job group now, and about 72,200 are projected by 2035. (+10.6%)
• AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Related jobs

• Alarm, Security or Surveillance Monitor
• Cash In Transit Officer
• Crowd Controller
• Private Investigator
• Protective Services Officer
• Security Consultant

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Questions people ask

How do I become a Retail Loss Prevention Officer?

Ways in include: Certificate III in Security Operations; Diploma of Fraud Control.

How much does a Retail Loss Prevention Officer earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $94,536 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is a Retail Loss Prevention Officer a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 11% by 2035, from about 65,300 to about 72,200 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become a Retail Loss Prevention Officer?

Usually not. Only 13% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate III in Security Operations; Diploma of Fraud Control.

Will AI change the work of a Retail Loss Prevention Officer?

AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Sources

• Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
• Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04