CHICAGO, Sept. 8, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Professional Diversity Network, Inc. (Nasdaq:IPDN) releases its September Diversity Jobs Report (DJR) and Diversity Jobs Index (DJI.)  This month's report delves into the diversity employment situation in Financial Services and explores the benefits of employing more women, particularly in leadership positions.

The September DJR reveals that women and minorities are generally well represented in the Financial Services industry and tend to hold positions across almost all occupations. However, white males overwhelmingly hold management positions at the highest pay grades. Although educational attainment and pay are closely correlated at lower levels — namely administrative and functionary roles — this disparity at higher ranks cannot be explained by employees' educational levels.

Report highlights include:

• The unemployment rate for diverse Americans increased by 0.27 percent from 6.42% to 6.69%
• The DJI for August 2014 is 50.17, indicating a 1.51 percent increase in demand for diverse talent as compared to the month prior
• In the financial services industry, women who are 40 years of age or younger make 44 percent less in salary than their male counterparts on average
• Women who are age 30 or younger, namely in entry to mid-level jobs, make 40 percent less than men, which equates to nearly $30,000 per year

To view the full report and methodology click here: http://diversityjobnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/Diversity_Jobs_Report-SEPT2014_FINAL.pdf

About Professional Diversity Network
Professional Diversity Network develops and operates online networks dedicated to serving diverse professionals in the US, including women, African Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanic Americans, veterans, disabled persons and LGBT, by providing them with access to employment opportunities.  Online communities include iHispano, BlackCareerNetwork, WomensCareerChannel.com, Military2Career, ProAble.net, OutProNet, and AsianCareerNetwork. For more info, visit prodivnet.com.

SOURCE Professional Diversity Network