Ever wonder if you’re on the right path or what the next level looks like for your career? In today’s fast-changing workplace, administrative professionals wear more hats than ever. That’s why ASAP introduced the Career Stages Framework in our 2025 State of the Profession Report — a practical guide to help you pinpoint where you are, what’s next, and how to get there.
What is the ASAP Career Stages Framework?
Inconsistent job titles have long made it challenging for administrative professionals to map career growth and benchmark skills, but our Career Stages Framework changes that. It defines four clear stages of progression in the administrative field: Assisting, Supporting, Partnering, and Leading.
Each stage marks a shift from tactical to strategic work, with increasing levels of responsibility, decision-making, and leadership.
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Assisting: Early-career APs typically under five years of experience, focused on scheduling, document organization, and foundational tasks.
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Supporting: Builds on Assisting tasks but adds greater autonomy (i.e. handling projects, making routine decisions, and managing more complex day-to-day operations).
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Partnering: Shifts from supporting tasks to strategic contributions. APs at this stage collaborate on business plans, manage larger projects, and often oversee teams.
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Leading: The highest level, where APs lead large-scale initiatives, advise senior executives, and act as trusted strategic partners.
The framework validates what many in our community already know: titles alone don’t tell the whole story. Two EAs can have the same title but vastly different responsibilities. Understanding your true career stage can help you advocate for the right pay, development, and recognition.
Why Does It Matter?
The 2025 report confirms that moving through these stages brings real benefits:
- Higher Pay: Average annual salary climbs steadily from around $57,000 at the Assisting stage to more than $84,000 at the Leading stage.
- More Influence: Higher stages come with greater input on strategic decisions and more opportunities to shape company priorities.
- Clearer Development Goals: You can better identify what skills to build next, from AI tools to executive-level leadership.
How to Use the Framework
Ready to put the framework into action? Here’s how:
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Identify Your Stage
Review your daily responsibilities. Are you mostly handling core scheduling and document tasks? Or do you manage projects, lead initiatives, or advise executives? Use the descriptions in the 2025 State of the Profession Report to see where you fit. -
Spot Your Skill Gaps
The report highlights essential skills at each stage, from technology and communication to leadership and efficiency. For example, AI tools, project management systems, and strategic planning are top priorities for advancement. -
Set Development Goals
Once you know your current stage and what’s next, set specific goals. That might mean improving your proficiency with automation tools, boosting your public speaking skills, or taking on projects that build your leadership experience. -
Pursue Targeted Training
Invest in training that bridges the gap. In addition to our two annual conferences, APC and EA Ignite, ASAP’s digital training library is packed with webinars, courses, guides, and reports to help you build the skills that matter most at every stage. -
Advocate for Your Growth
Use the framework and salary benchmarks to have informed conversations with your manager about responsibilities, compensation, and professional development opportunities. If you don’t know where to start when it comes to negotiation, read our free resource here.
Keep Moving Forward
The administrative profession is evolving, and your career can evolve with it. Let the Career Stages Framework guide you as you build new skills, open new opportunities, and shape the path that fits your goals.
Ready to Grow?
Explore the full insights in our 2025 State of the Profession Report to see where your peers stand and discover what’s next for you. When you’re ready to take the next step, dive into ASAP’s digital training library for practical courses, webinars, and other resources to help you advance.
