> The compensating factor here would that Uber drivers are not compensated for the time/distance traveled to pickup point.
The $9.5/hour or $10.9/hour figure mentioned in the OP compensates for the time/distance traveled to pickup point, including your drive to pick up your first passenger. That was the figure I was referring to. You get misleading results if you compare a gross income from a minimum wage job to a net income from Uber.
> That is on par with other minimum wage jobs.
I asked a friend working a minimum wage job and she said she got benefits including insurance. Maybe she's an outlier?
The compensating factor here would that Uber drivers are not compensated for the time/distance traveled to pickup point.
> I think the US also has higher self-employment taxes
The carrot with that is more generous allowances for tax optimization (deductions, SEP IRA limits).
> you don't get health insurance and other benefits
That is on par with other minimum wage jobs.