You have to be able to guage what's an appropriate amount of time in your particular position/field/company. We typically see promotions from our assistants to associate positions in 2-3 years, but to get promoted from associate to director takes more like 5-7.

We don't have formal career paths, though.

I set annual goals, review em with my boss and communicate my expectations if I achieve them. (Ie "I'd expect at least a $40K bonus, and a move for promotion within 6 months of X"). It can feel awkward and arrogant but I find its a million times better than not doing this and just hoping it works out.

I think it depends on the company and type of job. My company actually just released a career path, with fairly detailed descriptions of what the expectations are for each role. In theory, it's good--in practice, the promotion/advancement process still depends a lot on subjective factors. Still better than nothing, though, I suppose...

Do you have an annual review at your job? Presumably you can just ask your supervisor then, or whenever you feel would be appropriate.

Do you have a formal career path or plan at work? Is it normal to not to have one and just continue doing the same thing day in and day out with no promotions or progression?