PHOENIX — Starting salaries for Phoenix Police Department employees would increase by about $20,000 and all officers would have the opportunity to earn more money if a proposal is passed next week by the city council.

The plan aims to improve retention and help with recruiting efforts as Phoenix continues to operate with a shortage of officers.

Starting salaries would jump to about $68,000 from $48,000 annually. Recruits in Phoenix make about 7% below market average, according to a press release.

Pay grade steps from recruits to assistant chiefs would also increase.

The plan will be presented to the Phoenix City Council on Wednesday.

“Our goal in Phoenix is to be a world class city and that means using the tools necessary to build a world class police department,” Mayor Kate Gallego said in the release.

“In other words, to hire the best, we need to pay the best.”

If approved, the updated pay structure would go into effect Aug. 8.

Phoenix has been offering a $7,500 hiring bonus for new officer recruits in an effort to offset low employment numbers.

Chief Jeri Williams announced in February the department reassigned more than 100 officers to patrol positions due to ongoing staffing shortages.

Personnel from specialty details moved to the patrol roles to cut down on emergency response time.

“This not only increases both the starting and maximum salaries, it also simplifies the pay structure, rewarding those who choose this noble profession,” Councilmember Ann O’Brien said.

“Phoenix is the largest city in the state and our officers should see a salary structure which reflects that.”

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