MADISON, Wis. -- University of Wisconsin System regents are considering a plan to increase the salary ranges of university chancellors and system executives.

Regents President Mark Bradley said that the higher ranges are needed to attract top candidates as the regents search for new chancellors at UW-Madison, UW-Parkside and UW-Whitewater.

The plan said that the UW-Madison chancellor's salary of $327,000 is 21 percent below his peers. Current Chancellor John Wiley salary is the lowest among his peers at seven public Big Ten universities and schools in California, Washington and Texas. Those leaders make an average of $437,000.

The next chancellor there would earn between $369,000 and $452,000 under the plan, which the regents could approve on Friday.

The higher salary is designed to attract more candidates to apply to replace Wiley, who's stepping down in September. Some have worried the low salary would hamper the search.

The plan wouldn't result in immediate pay increases but would pave the way for raises to be awarded after the new ranges go into effect July 1.

The plan would also increase the salary ranges for the leaders at 11 four-year universities in the system and System President Kevin Reilly.