Introduced in our State of the Profession Report, this framework validates what many in our community already know: titles alone don’t tell the whole story. It’s a practical guide to help you pinpoint where you are, what’s next, and how to get there. Inconsistent job titles have long made it challenging for administrative professionals (APs) 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.
See how this is implemented at our annual in-person training events: Administrative Professionals Conference and EA Ignite.
Early-career APs typically under five years of experience, focused on scheduling, document organization, and foundational tasks.
At this stage, APs build on Assisting tasks with greater autonomy, such as managing projects and handling more complex day-to-day operations through a strategic lens.
Here, the focus shifts to business partnership and strategic contributions. APs at this stage collaborate on business plans, manage large projects, and may oversee teams.
This stage is where APs own large-scale initiatives. They advise senior executives as trusted business partners, lead strategic systems and teams, and drive innovation.
The report confirms that moving through these stages brings real benefits:
Average annual salary climbs steadily from around $57,000 at the Assisting stage to more than $84,000 at the Leading stage.
Higher stages come with greater input on strategic decisions and more opportunities to shape company priorities.
You can better identify what skills to build next, from AI tools to executive-level leadership.
Ready to put the framework into action? Here’s how:
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 State of the Profession Report to see where you fit.
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.
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.
Use the framework and salary benchmarks to have informed conversations with your manager about responsibilities, compensation, and professional development opportunities.
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