> a lot of those expenses are tax deductible which means their take home would be a lot higher that most other people making $17/hr That part doesn't seem quit

> a lot of those expenses are tax deductible which means their take home would be a lot higher that most other people making $17/hr That part doesn't seem quite right. Maybe they can deduct more than they actually spend (using standard mileage rates) but they'll presumably have to pay self-employment taxes which would offset that advantage.